BIRD  GUIDE 

Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Pre 


East  of  the  Roc 


RUFFED  GROUSE. 


BIRD    GUIDE 

Water  Birds,  Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Prey 

BY 
CHESTER  A.  REED 

Author  of 

North  American  Birds'  Eggs,  and,  with  Frank  M.  Chapman,  of  Color  Key  to  North 
American  Birds.     Curator  in  Ornithology,  Worcester  Natural  History  Society 


GARDEN  CITY  NEW  YORK 

DOUBLEDAY,  PAGE  &  COMPANY 

1916 


Copyrighted  1906. 

Copyrighted,  1910,  CHAS.  K.  REED, 
Worcester,  Mass. 


PREFACE 

While  strolling  through  a  piece  of  woodland,  or  perhaps  along  the  marsh  or 
seashore,  we  see  a  bird,  a  strange  bird  —  one  we  never  saw  before.  Instantly, 
our  curiosity  is  aroused,  and  the  question  arises,  "What  is  it?"  There  is  the  bird!  -r>  f\^ 
How  can  we  find  ^ut  what  kind  it  is?  The  Ornithologist  of  a  few  years  ago  had  '\  *0 
but  one  course  open  to  him,  that  is  to  shoot  the  bird,  take  it  home,  then  pore  through  /  . 
pages  of  descriptions,  until  one  was  found  to  correspond  with  the  specimen.  Ob- 
viously, such  methods  cannot  be  pursued  today,  both  humane  and  economical  rea- 
sons prohibiting.  We  have  but  one  alternative  left  us:  We  must  make  copious 
notes  of  all  the  peculiarities  and  markings  of  the  bird  that  is  before  us.  On  our 
return  home,  we  get  down  our  bird  books,  and  there  are  many  excellent  ones.  After 
carefully  looking  through  the  whole  library,  we  find  that,  although  many  of  our 
books  are  well  illustrated,  none  of  them  has  the  picture  of  what  we  seek,  so  we  adopt 
the  tactics  of  the  "Old-time"  Ornithologist,  before  mentioned,  and  pore  over  pages 
of  text,  until  finally  we  know  what  our  bird  was.  It  is  for  just  such  emergencies 
as  this  —  to  identify  a  bird  when  you  see  it,  and  where  you  see  it,  that  this  little 
pocket  "Bird  Guide"  is  prepared.  May  it  be  the  medium  for  saving  many  of  to- 
day's seekers  for  "bird  truths"  from  the  many  trials  and  tribulations  willingly 
encountered,  and  hard  and  thorny  roads  gladly  traveled  by  the  author  in  his  quest 
for  knowledge  of  bird  ways. 

Worcester,  Mass.  CHESTER  A.  REED. 


48±4  •  550765 


INTRODUCTION 

The  study  ot  the  birds  included  in  this  book  is  much  more  difficult  than  that 
cf  the  small  land  birds.  Many  of  the  birds  are  large;  some  are  very  rare;  all  are 
usually  shy  and  have  keen  eyesight,  trained  to  see  at  a  distance;  in  fact,  many  of 
them  have  to  depend  upon  their  vigilance  for  their  very  existence.  Therefore, 
you  will  find  that  the  majority  of  these  birds  will  have  to  be  studied  at  long  range. 
Sometimes,  by  exercising  care  and  forethought,  you  may  be  able  to  approach  within 
a  few  feet  of  the  bird  you  seek,  or  induce  him  to  come  to  you.  It  is  this  pitting 
your  wits  against  the  cunning  of  the  birds  that  furnishes  one-half  of  the  interest 
in  their  study.  Remember  that  a  quick  motion  will  always  cause  a  bird  to  fly. 
If  you  seek  a  flock  of  plover  on  the  shore,  or  a  heron  in  the  marsh,  try  to  sneak  up 
behind  cover  if  possible;  if  not,  walk  very  slowly,  and  with  as  little  motion  as  possible, 
directly  towards  them;  by  so  doing  you  often  will  get  near,  for  a  bird  is  a  poor  judge 
of  distance,  while  a  single  step  sideways  would  cause  him  to  fly.  Shore  birds  can 
usually  be  best  observed  from  a  small  "blind,"  near  the  water's  edge,  where  they 
feed.  Your  powers  of  observation  will  be  increased  about  tenfold  if  you  are  equipped 
with  a  good  pair  of  field  glasses;  they  are  practically  indispensable  to  the  serious 
student  and  add  greatly  to  the  pleasures  of  anyone.  Any  good  glass,  that  has  a  wide 
field  of  vision  and  magnifies  three  or  four  diameters,  is  suitable;  we  can  recommend 
+he  ones  described  in  the  back  of  this  book. 

WHAT  TO  MAKE  NOTE  OF.—  What  is  the  nature  of  the  locality  where 

6 


seen;  marsh,  shore,  woods,  etc?  If  in  trees  does  it  sit  upright  or  horizontal?  If 
on  the  ground,  does  it  run  or  walk,  easily  or  with  difficulty?  If  in  the  water,  can 
it  swim  well,  can  it  dive,  does  it  swim  under  water,  can  it  fly  from  the  water  easily, 
or  does  it  have  to  patter  over  the  surface  before  flying?  What  does  it  seem  to  be 
eating?  Does  it  have  any  notes?  Does  it  fly  rapidly;  with  rapid  wing  beats  or 
not;  in  a  straight  line  or  otherwise?  Does  it  sail,  or  soar?  In  flocks  or  singly? 
These  and  hundreds  of  other  questions  that  may  suggest  themselves,  are  of  great 
interest  and  importance 

A  PLEA  TO  SPORTSMEN.—  Many  of  the  birds  shown  in  this  book  are  Game 
Birds,  that  is,  birds  that  the  law  allows  you  to  shoot  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 
Some  of  these  are  still  abundant  and  will  be  for  numbers  of  years;  others  are  very 
scarce  and  if  they  are  further  hunted,  will  become  entirely  exterminated  in  two  or 
three  years.  Bob-whites  are  very  scarce  in  New  England;  Prairie  Hens  are  be- 
coming scarce  in  parts  of  the  west;  the  small  Curlew  is  practically  extinct,  while 
the  larger  ones  are  rapidly  going.  In  behalf  of  all  bird  lovers,  we  ask  that  you  refrain 
from  killing  those  species  that  you  know  are  rare,  and  use  moderation  in  the  taking 
of  all  others.  We  also  ask  that  you  use  any  influence  that  may  be  yours  to  further 
laws  prohibiting  all  traffic  in  birds.  The  man  who  makes  his  living  shooting  birds 
will  make  more,  live  longer  and  die  happier  tilling  the  soil  than  by  killing  God's 
creatures.  We  do  not,  now,  ask  you  to  refrain  from  hunting  entirely,  but  get  your 
sport  at  your  traps.  It  takes  more  skill  to  break  a  clay  pigeon  than  to  kill  a  quail. 


THINGS  TO  REMEMBER 

Characteristics  of  Form  or  Habit  That  Will  Determine 
to  What  Order  or  Family  Birds  Belong. 

ORDER  1.     DIVING  BIRDS  —  Pygopodes. 

GREBES;  Colymbidae:  —  Form,  duck-like;  bill  point- 
ed and  never  flattened;  no  tail;  legs  at  extreme 
end  of  body;  each  flattened  toe  with  an  individual  web; 
wings  small.  Flies  rapidly,  but  patters  along  the  water 
before  taking  wing.  Expert  divers,  using  wings  as 
well  as  feet,  to  propel  them,  under  water. 

LOONS.  Family  Gaviida?: —  Larger  than  Grebes; 
bill  long,  heavy,  and  pointed;  tail  very  short;  feet 
webbed  like  a  duck's,  but  legs  thin  and  deep;  form 
and  habits,  grebe-like. 

AUKS,  MURRES,  PUFFINS.  Family  Alcida?:  — 
Bills  very  variable;  tail  short;  usually  takes  flight 
when  alarmed,  instead  of  diving  as  do  grebes  and  loons. 
With  the  exception  of  puffins,  which  stand  on  their 
feet,  all  birds  of  this  order  sit  upon  their  whole  leg  and 
tail.  They  are  awkward  on  land;  some  can  hardly 
walk. 


10 


ORDER  2.     LONG- WINGED  SWIMMERS.  —  Longi- 
pennes. 

SKUAS,  JAEGERS.  Family  Stercorariida?:  —  Ma- 
rine birds  of  prey;  bill  strongly  hooked,  with  long  scaly 
shield,  or  cere,  at  the  base;  claws  strong  and  curved^ 
hawk-like;  flight  hawk-like;  plumage  often  entirely 
sooty-black,  and  always  so  on  the  back. 

GULLS,  TERNS.  Family  Larid#:  —  Gulls  have 
hooked  bills,  usually  yellowish,  yellow  eyes  and  pale, 
webbed  feet.  Heap,  underparts  and  square  tail  are 
white  in  adults;  back,  pearl-grey;  exceptions  are  the 
four  small  black-headed  gulls,  which  also  have  red- 
dish legs.  Gulls  fly  with  the  bill  straight  in  front,  and 
often  rest  on  the  water.  Terns  have  forked  tails,  black 
caps,  and  their  slender,  pointed  bills  and  small  webbed 
feet  are  usually  red.  They  fly  with  bill  pointed  down, 
and  dive  upon  their  prey. 

ORDER    3.     TUBE-NOSED  SWIMMERS.—    Tubin- 

ares. 

FULMARS,  SHEARWATERS,  PETRELS.  Family 
Procellariida?:  —  Nostrils  opening  in  a  tube  on  top  of 
the  hooked  bill.  Plumage  of  fulmars,  gull-like;  shear- 


waters  entirely  sooty  black,  or  white  below;  petrels 
blackish,  with  white  rumps,  —  very  small  birds.  All 
seabirds. 

ORDER  4.  TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS.  —  Stegan- 
opodes. 

All  four  toes  joined  by  webs. 

TROPIC  BIRDS.  Family  Phaethontida?:  —  Bill  and 
form  tern-like;  middle  tail  feathers  very  long. 

GANNETS.  Family  Sulida?:— Bill  heavy  and  pointed; 
face  and  small  throat  pouch,  bare. 

SKAKE-BIRDS.  Family  Anhingidae:  —  Bill  slender 
and  pointed;  neck  and  tail  very  long,  the  latter  rounded; 
habits  like  those  of  the  following. 

CORMORANTS.  Family  Phalacrocoracidas:  —  Bill 
slender,  but  hooked  at  the  tip;  plumage  glossy  black 
and  brown;  eyes  green.  They  use  their  wings  as  well 
as  feet  when  pursuing  fish  under  water. 

PELICANS.  Family  Pelecanidae:  —  Bill  very  long 
and  with  a  large  pouch  suspended  below. 

MAN-O'-WAR  BIRDS.  Family  Fregatidas:  —  very 
long  and  strongly  hooked;  tail  long  and  forked;  wholly 
maritime,  as  are  all  but  the  preceding  three. 


11 


12 


ORDER  5.    DUCKS,  GEESE  AND  SWANS.    Anseres. 

Mergansers,  with  slender,  toothed  bills  with  which 
to  catch  the  fish  they  pursue  under  water. 

Other  ducks  have  rather  broad  bills,  more  or  less 
resembling  those  of  the  domestic  duck.  Their  flight 
is  rapid  and  direct.  River  ducks  have  no  web,  or  flap, 
on  the  hind  toe;  they  get  their  food  without  going 
entirely  under  water,  by  tipping  up.  Sea  ducks  have 
a  broad  flap  on  the  hind  toe. 

ORDER  6.     FLAMINGOES.     Odontoglossae. 

Family  Phoenicopterida?:  —  Large,  long-necked,  pink 
birds  with  a  crooked  box-like  bill,  long  legs  and  webbed 
feet. 
ORDER    7.     HERONS,    IBISES,    ETC.    Herodiones. 

Long-legged,  wading  birds,  with  all  four  toes  long, 
slender  and  without  webs.  Usually  found  about  the 
muddy  edges  of  ponds,  lakes  or  creeks,  and  less  often 
on  the  sea  shore.  Wings  large  and  rounded. 

SPOONBILL.  Family  Plataleid*:  —  Bill  long,  thin 
and  much  broadened  at  the  end;  head  bare. 

IBISES.  Family  Ibidida?:  —  Bill  long,  slender  and 
curved  down.  Ibises  and  Spoonbills  fly  with  the  neck 
fully  extended. 


STORKS.  Family  Ciconiidae:  —  Bill  long,  heavy, 
and  curved  near  the  end;  head  and  upper  neck  bare. 

HERONS,  BITTERNS,  EGRETS.  Family  Ardei- 
dse: —  Bill  long,  straight  and  pointed;  head  usually 
crested,  and  back  often  with  plumes.  Herons  fly  with 
a  fold  in  the  neck,  and  the  back  of  the  head  resting 
against  the  shoulders. 

ORDER  8.     MARSH  BIRDS.     Paludicohe 

Birds  of  this  order,  vary  greatly  in  size  and  appear- 
ance, but  all  agree  in  having  the  hind  toe  elevated, 
whereas  that  of  the  members  of  the  last  order  leaves 
the  foot  on  a  level  with  the  front  toes;  neck  extended 
in  flight. 

CRANES.  Family  Grudidtf:  —  Very  large  and 
heron-like,  but  with  plumage  close  feathered;  top  of 
head  bare;  bill  long,  slender  and  obtusely  pointed. 

COURLANS.  Family  Aramidas:  —  Size  mid-way 
between  the  cranes  and  rails;  bill  long  and  slender. 

RAILS,  ETC.  Family  Rallida?: —  Bills  are  varia- 
ble, but  toes  and  legs  long;  wings  short;  flight  slow 
and  wavering;  marsh  skulkers,  hiding  in  rushes.  Gal- 
linules  have  a  frontal  shield  on  the  forehead,  Coots 
have  lobate-webbed  feet,  short,  whitish  bills. 


13 


OROLR  9. 


ORDER  9.     SHORE  BIRDS.     LimicoLfi. 

Comparatively  small,  long  legged,  slender-billed 
birds  seen  running  along  edges  of  ponds  or  beaches. 

PHALAROPES.  Palaropodida?.—  Toes  with  lobed 
webs. 

AVOCETS,  STILTS.  Recurvirostridtf:  —  Avocet, 
with  slender  recurved  bill,  and  webbed  feet;  stilt, 
with  straight  bill,  very  long  legs,  toes  not  webbed. 

SNIPES,  SNADPIPERS,  ETC.  Family  Scolopa- 
cidse:  —  Bills  very  variable  but  slender,  and  all,  ex- 
cept the  Woodcock,  with  long  pointed  wings;  flight 
usually  swift  and  erratic. 

PLOVERS.  Family  Charadriida?:  —  Bill  short  and 
stout;  three  toes. 

TURNSTONES.  Family  Aphrizid*:  —  Bill  short, 
stout  and  slightly  up-turned;  four  toes. 

OYSTER-CATCHERS.  Family  H«matopodid«:  — 
Bill  long,  heavy  and  compressed;  legs  and  toes  stout; 
three  toes  slightly  webbed  at  base. 

JACANAS.  Family  Jacanidas:  —  Bill  with  leaf-like 
shield  at  the  base;  legs  and  toes  extremely  long  and 
slender;  sharp  spur  on  wing. 


ORDER  10.     FOWLS.     Gallinse. 

Ground  birds  of  robust  form;  bill  hen-like;  wings 
short  and  rounded;  feet  large  and  strong. 

PARTRIDGES,  GROUSE.  Family  Tetraonidtf :  — 
Legs  bare  in  the  partridges,  feathered  in  grouse. 

TURKEYS,  PHEASANTS.  Family  Phasianida?:  — 
Legs  often  spurred,  or  head  with  wattles,  etc. 

GUANS.  Family  Cracidas:  —  Represented  by  the 
Chachalaca  of  Texas. 

ORDER  11.     PIGEONS  AND  DOVES.        Columbae. 

Family  Columbidas:  —  Bill  slender,  hard  at  the  tip, 
and  with  the  nostrils  opening  in  a  fleshy  membrane 
at  the  base.  Plumage  soft  grays  and  browns. 

ORDER  12.     BIRDS  OF  PREY.     Raptores. 

VULTURES.    Cathartidtf :  —  Head  bare;  feet  hen-like. 

HAWKS,  EAGLES.  Falconida;:  —  Bill  and  claws 
strongly  hooked;  nostrils  in  a  cere  at  base  of  bill. 

BARN  OWLS.  Aluconida?:  —  Black  eyes  in  trian- 
gular facial  disc;  middle  toe-nail  serrated. 

HORNED  OWLS,  ETC.  Bubonid«:  —  Facial  disc 
round;  some  species  with  ears,  others  without. 


BIRD    GUIDE 

PART     1 

Water  Birds,  Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Prey 


DIVING   BIRDS— Order  Pygopodes 
GREBES — Family  Colymbidae 
WESTERN    GREBE 

1.  ^Echmophorus  occidentalis.     25  to  29  inches. 

All  grebes  have  lobate-webbed  feet,  that  is  each  toe 
has  its  individual  web,  being  joined  to  its  fellow  only 
for  a  short  distance  at  the  base. 

This,  the  largest  of  our  grebes,  is  frequently  known 
as  the  "Swan  Grebe"  because  of  its  extremely  long,  thin 
neck.  In  summer  the  back  of  the  neck  is  black,  but 
in  winter  it  is  gray  like  the  back. 

Notes. — Loud,   quavering   and   cackling. 

Nest. — A  floating  mass  of  decayed  rushes,  sometimes 
attached  to  upright  stalks.  The  2  to  5  eggs  are  pale, 
bluish  white,  usually  stained  (2.40  x  1.55).  They 
breed  in  colonies. 

Range. — Western  North  America,  from  the  Dakotas 
and  Manitoba  to  the  Pacific,  and  north  to  southern 
Alaska.  Winters  in  the  Pacific  coast  states  and 
Mexico. 


18 


HOLBCELL    GREBE 
2.  Colymbus  holbcelli.     19  inches. 

This  is  next  to  the  Western  Grele  in  size,  both  being 
much  larger  than  any  of  our  others.  In  summer,  they 
are  very  handsomely  marked  with  a  reddish  brown  neck, 
silvery  white  cheeks  and  throat,  and  black  crown  and 
crest. 'but  in  winter  they  take  on  the  usual  grebe  dress 
of  grayish  above  and  glossy  white  below.  Because  of 
their  silky  appearance  and  firm  texture,  grebe  breasts 
of  all  kinds  have  been  extensively  used  in  the  past  to 
adorn  hats  of  women,  who  were  either  heedless  or  igno- 
rant of  the  wholesale  ^slaughter  that  was  carried  on 
that  they  might  obtain  them. 

Nest.— Of  decayed  rushes  like  that  of  the  last.  Xot 
in  as  large  colonies;  more  often  single  pairs  will  be 
found  nesting  with  other  varieties.  Their  eggs  average 
smaller  than  those  of  the  last  species  (2.35x1.25). 

Range. — Xorth  America,  breeding  most  abundantly  in 
th«  interior  of  Canada,  and  to  some  extent  in  the  Da- 
kotas.  Winters  in  the  U.  S.,  chiefly  on  the  coasts. 


HORNED    GREBE 

3.  Colymbus  auritus.     14  inches. 

As  is  usual  with  grebes,  summer  brings  a  remark- 
able change  in  the  dress  of  these  birds.  The  black,  puffy 
head  is  adorned  with  a  pair  of  buffy  white  ear  tufts 
and  the  foreneck  is  a  rich  chestnut  color.  In  winter, 
they  are  plain  gray  and  white  but  the  secondaries  are 
always  largely  white,  as  they  are  in  the  two  preceding 
and  the  following  species.  The  grebe  diet  consists  al- 
most wholly  of  small  fish,  which  they  are  very  expert 
at  pursuing  and  catching  under  water.  One  that  1  kept 
in  captivity  in  a  large  tank,  for  a  few  weeks,  would 
never  miss  catching  the  shiners,  upon  which  he  was  fed, 
at  the  first  lightning-like  dart  of  his  slender  neck.  They 
also  eat  quantities  of  shell  fish,  and  I  doubt  if  they  will 
refuse  any  kind  of  flesh,  for  they  always  have  a  keen 
appetite. 

Nest. — A  slovenly  built  pile  of  vegetation  floating  in 
the  "  sloughs  "  of  western  prairies.  The  3  to  7  eggs  are 
usually  stained  brownish  yellow  (1.70x  1.15). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Northern  Illinois  and  So.  Dakota 
northward;  winters  from  northern  U.  S.  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico. 


AMERICAN    EARED    GREBE 

4.  Colymbus   nigricollis  californicus.     13  inches. 

This  is  a  western  species  rarely  found  east  of  the 
Mississippi.  In  sunlmer,  it  differs  from  the  last  in  hav- 
ing the  entire  neck  black:  in  winter  it  can  always  be 
distinguished  from  the  Horned  Grebe  by  its  slightly 
upcurved  bill,  while  the  upper  mandible  of  the  last  is 
convex.  In  powers  of  swimming  and  diving,  grebes  are 
not  surpassed  by  any  of  our  water  birds.  They  dive 
at  the  flash  of  a  gun  and  swim  long  distances  before 
coming  to  the  surface;  on  this  account  they  are  often 
called  u  devil  divers."  They  fly  swiftly  when  once  a-wing, 
but  their  concave  wings  are  so  small  that  they  have  to 
patter  over  the  water  with  their  feet  in  order  to  rise. 

Nest. — They  nest  in  colonies,  often  in  the  same  sloughs 
with  Horned'  and  Western  Grebes,  laying  their  eggs 
early  in  June.  The  4  to  7  eggs  are  dull  white,  usually 
stained  brownish,  and  cannot  be  separated  from  those 
of  the  last. 

Range. — Western  X.  A.,  breeding  from  Texas  to  Mani- 
toba and  British  Columbia;  winters  in  western  U.  S. 
and  Mexico. 


LEAST    OR   ST.   DOMINGO   GREBE 

5.  Colymbus  dominions  brachypterus.     10  inches. 

This'  is  much  smaller  than  any  others  of  our  grebes; 
in  breeding  plumage  it  most  nearly  resembles  the  fol- 
lowing species,  but  the  bill  is  black  and  sharply  pointed. 
It  has  a  black  patch  on  the  throat,  and  the  crown  and 
back  of  the  head  are  glossy  blue  black;  in  winter,  the 
throat  and  sides  of  the  head  are  white. 

Nest. — Not  different  from  those  of  the  other  grebes. 
Only  comparatively  few  of  them  breed  in  the  U.  S.  but 
they  are  common  in  Mexico  and  Central  America.  Their 
eggs,  when  first  laid,  are  a  pale,  chalky,  greenish  white, 
but  they  soon  become  discolored  and  stained  so  that  they 
are  a  deep  brownish,  more  so  than  any  of  the  others; 
from  3  to  6  eggs  is  a  full  complement  (1.40x.95). 

Range. — Found  in  the  United  States,  only  in  the 
Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  Southern  Texas,  and  south- 
wards to  northern  South  America. 


PIED-BILLED    GREBE 

6.  Podilymbus  podiceps.     13.5   inches. 

In  any  plumage  this  species  cannot  be  mistaken  for 
others,  because  of  its  stout  compressed  bill  and  brown 
iris;  all  the  others  have  red  eyes.  In  summer  the  bill 
is  whitish  with  a  black  band  encircling  it;  the  throat 
is  black;  the  eye  encircled  by  a  whitish  ring;  the  breast 
and  sides  are  brownish-gray.  In  winter  they  are  brown- 
ish-black above  and  dull  white  below,  with  the  breast 
and  sides  washed  with  brown.  Young  birds  have  more 
or  less  distinct  wrhitish  stripes  on  the  head. 


22 


.  —  A  loud,  ringing  "  kow-kow-kow-kow  (repeated 
many  times  and  ending  in)  kow-uh,  kow-uh." 

Nest.  —  Of  decayed  rushes  floating  in  reed-grown  ponds 
or  edges  of  lakes"  The  pile  is  slightly  hollowed  and,  in 
this,  the  5  to  8  eggs  are  laid;  the  bottom  of  the  nest  is 
always  wet  and  the  eggs  are  often  partly  in  the  water; 
they*are  usually  covered  with  a  wet  mass  when  the  bird 
is  away.  Brownish-white  (1.70x1.15). 

Range.  —  Whole  of  X.  A.,  breeding  locally  and  usually 
in  pairs  or  small  colonies. 


LOONS — Family  Gavidae 
LOON;    GREAT   NORTHERN   DIVER 

7.  Gavia  immer.     31  to  35  inches. 

In  form,  loons  resemble  large  grebes,  but  their  feet 
are  full  webbed  like  those  of  a  duck;  they  have  short, 
stiff  tails  and  long,  heavy,  pointed  bills.  They  have  no 
tufts  or  ruffs  in  breeding  season,  but  their  plumage 
changes  greatly.  The  common  loon  is  very  beautifully 
and  strikingly  marked  with  black  and  white  above,  and 
white  below;  the  head  is  black,  with  a  crescent  across 
the  throat  and  a  ring  around  the  neck.  In  winter,  they 
are  plain  gray  above  and  white  below. 

Loons  are  fully  as  expert  in  diving  and  swimming  as 
are  the  grebes.  They  are  usually  found  in  larger,  more 
open  bodies  of  water. 

Notes. — A  loud,  quavering,  drawn-out  "  wah-hoo-o-o." 

Nest. — Sometimes  built  of  sticks,  and  sometimes  sim- 
ply a  hollow  in  the  sand  or  bank  under  overhanging 
bushes,  usually  on  an  island.  The  2  eggs  are  brownish 
with  a  few  black  specks  (3.50x2.25). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  north- 
wards; winters  from  northern  U.  S.  southwards. 


BLACK-THROATED    LOON 

9.  Gavia  arctica.    28  inches. 

This  loon  lives  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  only  rarely 
is  found,  in  winter,  in  Northern  United  States.  In  sum- 
mer, it  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the  common 
loon  by  the  gray  crown  and  hind-neck,  as  well  as  by 
different  arrangement  of  the  black  and  white  markings. 
In  winter,  they  are  quite  similar  to  the  last  species  but 
can  be  recognized  by  their  smaller  size,  and  can  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  winter  plumaged  Red-throated  Loon 
by  the  absence  of  any  white  markings  on  the  back. 
Like  the  grebes,  loons  have  to  run  over  the  surface  of 
I  the  water  in  order  to  take  flight,  and  they  are  prac- 
tically  helpless  when  on  land.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid, 
in  a  straight  line,  and  their  neck  is  carried  at  full 
length  in  front.  This  species  has  red  eyes,  as  do  all 
the  other  loons. 

Nest. — The  same  as  the  last  species,  but  the  two  eggs 
have  more  of  an  olive  tint  and  are  smaller  (3.10x2.00). 

Range. — Arctic  America,  wintering  in  Canada  and  oc- 
casionally in  Northern  United  States. 


RED-THROATED    LOON 

11.  Gavia  stellata.     25  inches. 

Besides  being  smaller  than  the  common  loon,  this 
species  has  a  more  slender  bill,  which  has  a  slightly 
up-turned  appearance  owing  to  the  straight  top  to  the 
upper  mandible;  in  summer,  its  back  and  head  are  gray, 
with  no  white  spots,  although  the  back  of  the  head  has 
a  few  white  streaks;  there  is  a  large  patch  of  chestnut 
on  the  fore-neck;  the  under  parts  are  white.  In  winter, 
it  is  gray  above  and  white  below,  but  the  back  is  sprin- 
kled with  small  white  spots;  at  this  season  it  can  easily 
be  distinguished  from  Holboell  Grebe  by  the  absence  of 
any  white  patch  in  the  wings  as  well  as  by  the  differ- 
ently shaped  feet. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  sand  or  ground,  not  more 
than  a  foot  or  two  from  the  water's  edge,  so  they  can 
slide  from  their  two  eggs  into  their  natural  element. 
The  eggs,  which  are  laid  in  June,  are  olive-brown, 
specked  with  black  (2.90x1.75). 

Range. — Breeds  from  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba 
north  to  the  Arctic  Ocean;  winters  throughout  t!;e 
United  States. 


AUKS,   MURRES   and   PUFFINS— Family   Alcidae 

PUFFIN;    SEA    PARROT 
13.  Fratercula   arctica.     13   inches. 

Puffins  are  grotesque  birds,  with  short  legs,  stout 
bodies  and  very  large,  thin  bills,  that  of  the  common 
Puffin  being  2  in.  in  length  and  about  the  same  in 
height;  the  bill  is  highly  colored  with  red  and  yellow, 
and  the  feet  are  red;  eyes,  white.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  blackish  band  across  the  throat  does  not  touch 
the  chin,  this  distinguishing  it  from  the  Horned  Puffin 
of  the  Pacific  coast.  Adults  in  winter  shed  the  greater 
portion  of  their  bill,  lose  the  little  horns  that  project 
over  the  eye,  and  the  face  is  blackish :  they  then  re- 
semble young  birds.  They  live  on  rocky  shores,  the 
more  precipitous  the  better.  They  stand  erect  upon 
their  feet  and  walk  with  ease. 

Notes. — A  low  croak. 

Nest. — They  breed  in  large  colonies  on  rocky  cliffs, 
laying  their  single  white  eggs  (2.50x1.75)  in  crevices. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Matinicus  Rock,  Me.,  northward; 
winters  south  casually  to  Cape  Cod.  Large-billed  Puffin 
(F.  a.  naumanni)  is  found  in  the  Arctic  Ocean. 


BLACK    GUILLEMOT;    SEA    PIGEON 

27.  Cepphus  grylle.     13  inches. 

These  birds  are  very  abundant  about  the  rocky  islands 
from  Maine  northward.  They  may  be  seen  sitting  in 
rows  on  the  edges  of  the  rocks,  or  pattering  along  the 
water  as  they  rise  in  flight,  from  its  surface,  at  a  boat's 
approach.  In  summer  the  plumage  is  entirely  black, 
except  the  large  white  patches  on  the  wings;  legs  red; 
eyes  brown.  This  species  has  the  bases  of  the  greater 
coverts  black,  while  they  are  white  in  Mandt  Guillemot 
(C.  mandtii — No.  28),  which  is  found  from  Labrador 
northward.  In  winter,  these  birds  are  mottled  gray  and 
white  above,  and  white  below,  but  the  patches  still  show. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  piercing,  squealing  whistle. 

Nest. — Guillemots  lay  two  eggs  upon  the  bare  rock  or 
gravel  in  crevices  or  under  piles  of  boulders  where  they 
are  difficult  to  get  at.  They  are  grayish  or  greenish- 
white,  beautifully  and  heavily  blotched  with  black  and 
brownish  (2.40x1.60). 

Range. — Breeds  on  coasts  of  North  Atlantic  from 
Maine  northward;  winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


28 


MURRE 
30.  Uria  troille.     16  inches. 

Tn  sunimi.  the  throat  is  brownish  black,  but  in  win- 
ter the  throat  and  sides  of  head  are  white;  feet  blackish 
bill,  long  and  stout,  1.7  in.  long,  while  that  of  Brunnich 
Murre  (Uria  lomvia — No.  31),  is  shorter  (1.25  in.)  and 
more  swollen.  The  ranges  and  habits  of  the  two  species 
are  the  same.  Murres  are  very  gregarious,  nesting  in 
large  colonies  on  northern  cliffs.  In  summer  every  ledge 
available  at  their  nesting  resort  is  lined  with  these 
birds,  sitting  upright  on  their  single  eggs. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  imitation  of  their  name  "  murre." 

Nest. — Their  single  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  bare  ledges 
of  cliffs.  They  are  pear-shaped  to  prevent  their  rolling 
off  when  the  bird  leaves;  greenish,  gray  or  white  in 
color,  handsomely  blotched  or  lined  with  blackish  (3.40 
x  2.00 ) .  Their  eggs  present  a  greater  diversity  of  color- 
ation and  marking  than  those  of  any  other  bird. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Magdalen  Is.  northward; 
winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


RAZOR-BILLED    AUK 

32.  Alca  torda.     16.5   inches. 

Similar  in  size  and  form  to  the  murre,  but  with  a 
short,  deep,  thin  black  bill,  crossed  by  a  white  line.  In 
summer,  with  a  white  line  from  the  eye  to  top  of  bill, 
and  with  a  brownish  black  throat;  in  winter,  without 
the  white  line  and  with  the  throat  and  sides  of  head 
white.  They  nest  and  live  in  large  colonies,  usually  in 
company  with  Murres.  Their  food,  like  that  of  the 
murres,  puffins  and  guillemots  is  of  fish  and  shell  fish, 
or  marine  worms.  They  get  these  from  the  rockweet" 
along  the  shores  or  by  diving;  they  are  good  swimmers, 
using  both  their  feet  and  wings  to  propel  them  through 
the  water,  the  same  as  do  the  grebes  and  loons. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  grunt  or  groan   (Chapman). 

Nest. — Their  single  eggs  are  laid  on  ledges  of  cliffs; 
they  are  not  nearly  as  pointed  at  the  smaller  end,  as 
murre  eggs,  and  are  always  grayish  white  in  color, 
marked  with  blackish  blotches  (3.1x2.00). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Magdalen  Islands  north- 
ward; winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


30 


GREAT    AUK 
33.  Plautus  impennis.     29  inches. 

This  largest  of  the  auks  lived,  as  far  as  we  have 
authentic  record,  until  1844,  when  it  became  extinct, 
largely  through  the  agency  of  man.  Although  nearly 
t  vice  as  long  a  bird  as  the  Razor-billed  Auk,  their  wings 
\\ere  shorter  than  those  of  that  bird,  being  only  a  trifle 
1  nger  than  those  of  the  little  Dovekie;  they  were  flight- 
1  ss,  but  the  wings  were  used  to  good  advantage  in  swim- 
i  ing.  Being  in  the  direct  line  of  travel  between  the 
old  world  and  the  new,  sailors,  on  passing  vessels,  killed 
countless  numbers  of  them  for  food,  and  in  some  cases 
merely  for  the  love  of  slaughter.  They  lived  on  coasts 
and  islands  of  the  Atlantic  from  Mass.,  northwards. 
There  are  about  seventy  mounted  birds  preserved,  of 
|  which  five  or  six,  as  well  as  some  skeletons,  are  in  this 
country. 

Their  eggs  resemble  those  of  the  Razor-bill  but,  of 
course,  are  much  larger  ( 5.00  x  3.00 ) .  About  70  of 
these  are  in  existence,  six  being  in  this  country  (Wash- 
ington, Phi  la.,  and  four  recently  purchased  by  John  E. 
Thayer,  of  Lancaster,  Mass.). 


DOVEKIE;    SEA   DOVE 

34.  Alle  alle.     8  inches. 

These  little  auks,  called  "  ice  birds  "  by  the  fishermen, 
are  very  abundant  in  the  far  north.  In  summer,  they 
have  a  blackish  brown  throat  and  breast,  but  they  are 
never  seen  in  the  United  States  or  southern  parts  of 
the  British  possessions  in  that  plumage.  In  winter, 
their  throats  and  sides  of  the  head  are  white  as  well 
as  the  rest  of  their  upper  parts.  At  all  seasons  the 
edges  of  the  scapulars  and  tips  of  the  secondaries  are 
white,  as  are  usually  spots  on  each  eyelid,  i/ven  in 
winter,  they  are  only  casually  found  on  our  coast,  for 
they  keep  well  out  at  sea.  Occasionally  they  are  blown 
inland  by  storms  and  found  with  their  feet  frozen  fast 
in  the  ice  of  some  of  our  ponds  or  lakes. 

Nest. — They  lay  single  pale  greenish  blue  eggs,  plac- 
ing them  in  crevices  of  sea  cliffs;  size  1.80  x  1.25. 

Range. — Breeds  on  islands  in  the  Arctic  Ocean  and 
on  the  coasts  of  Northern  Greenland;  winters  south  to 
Long  Island  and  casually  farther. 


LONG-WINGED    SWIMMERS— Order    Longipennes 
SKUAS    AND    J^GERS— Family  Stercorariidce 

SKUA 
35.  Megalestris  skua.     22   inches. 

These  large  birds  are  the  most  powerful  ana  audacious 
pirates  among  the  sea  fowl  of  northern  waters.  Their 
whole  form  is  indicative  of  strength;  form  robust,  feet 
strong,  and  bill  large,  powerful  and  hooked.  Their 
plumage  is  of  a  nearly  uniform  blackish-brown,  with 
white  shafts  to  the  wing  feathers  and  a  white  patch 
at  the  base  of  the  primaries. 

Nest. — They  do  not  nest  in  large  colonies,  only  a  sin- 
gle or  a  few  pairs  breeding  in  the  same  locality.  Their 
nests  are  hollows  in  the  ground,  a  short  distance  back 
from  the  rocky  shores.  The  two  eggs  that  they  lay  are 
olive  brown,  spotted  with  blackish  (2.75x1.60). 

Range. — Xorth  Atlantic  coasts,  chiefly  on  the  Old 
World  side,  breeding  from  the  Shetland  Islands  and 
possibly  Greenland,  northwards.  They  are  only  rarely 
found  on  our  coasts  even  in  winter,  but  have  been  taken 
as  far  south  as  New  York. 


POMARINE    JAEGER 

36.  Stercorarius  pomarinus.     21    inches. 

Jaegers  are  more  slender  in  form  than  the  Skuas,  but 
like  them  are  piratical  in  their  habits,  preying  chiefly 
upon  terns.  Off  Chatham,  Mass.,  I  have  often  watched 
them  in  pursuit  of  the  graceful  terns,  but,  excellent 
fliers  as  the  latter  birds  are,  they  were  always  over- 
taken and  forced  to  drop  the  fish  that  they  carried,  and 
the  jaeger  would  rarely  miss  catching  it  as  it  fell.  This 
species  has  two  color  phases  independent  of  sex  or  age. 
In  the  light  plumage  the  top  of  the  head  is  black;  rest 
of  the  upper  parts  and  the  under  tail  coverts  brownish 
black;  underparts  and  bases  of  primaries,  White.  Dark 
phase, — Entirely  blackish  brown  except  the  white  shafts 
to  wing  feathers  and  bases  of  primaries.  In  any  plu- 
mage they  can  be  distinguished  from  the  other  species 
by  the  rounded,  lengthened  central  tail  feathers. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground  in  marshy  places.  The 
two  eggs  are  olive  brown  spotted  with  black. 

Range. — Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  north  of  the 
Arctic  Circle;  winter  from  Mass,  southward. 
3 


PARASITIC   JAEGER 
37.  Stercorarius  parasiticus.     17  in. 

Two  phases  of  color,  both  similar  to  those  of  the  last, 
but  the  central   pair   of  tail  feathers  are  pointed   and 

"•ill  1.4  in.  long, 


I     project  about  4  in.  beyond  the  others;  bil 


with  the  nostril  nearest  the  end.  All  jaegers  have  gray- 
ish blue  legs  with  black  feet,  and  brown  eyes.  They 
are  called  "  Jiddy  hawks  "  by  fishermen,  who  often  feed 
them  fish  liver.  Their  flight  is  like  that  of  a  hawk. 
The  nesting  habits  and  range  are  the  same  as  the  next. 

LONG-TAILED   JAEGER 
38.  Stercorarius  longicaudus.     21  in. 

Like  the  last  species,  but  with  the  pointed  central  tail 
feathers  projecting  8  or  10  in.  and  with  a  shorter  bill 
(1.15  in.)  and  the  nostril  about  midway  of  its  length. 
It  is  less  often  found  in  the  dark  phase. 

Notes. — Shrill  wailing  whistles. 

Nest. — Xest  and  eggs  like  those  of  the  Pomarine 
Jaeger. 

Range. — Arctic  regions,  wintering  south  to  Florida. 


GULLS    AND    TERNS— Family  Larida 
IVORY   GULL 

39.  Pagophila   alba.     17    in. 

Entirely  pure  white  with  the  shafts  of  the  primaries 
yellowish;  bill  dark  at  base  and  yellow  at  tip;  eyes 
brown,  surrounded  by  a  narrow  red  ring;  feet  black. 
Young  birds  are  spotted  with  brown  on  the  head,  tips 
of  wing  and  tail.  This  beautiful  "  Snow  Gull,"  as  it  is 
called  by  whalers,  is  abundant  at  its  breeding  ground 
in  the  Arctic  regions,  but  is  rarely  seen  as  far  south 
as  the  United  States.  It  breeds  the  farthest  north  of 
any  of  the  gulls  except  Ross  Gull. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  seaweed,  usually  on  ledges  cf 
cliffs,  but  occasionally  on  the  ground  farther  inland. 
The  three  eggs,  laid  in  June,  are  grayish-buff,  marked 
with  brown  and  black  (2.30x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  only  north  of  the  Arctic  Circle,  and 
winters  south  to  New  Brunswick  and  British  Columbia; 
casually  to  Long  Island  and  the  Great  Lakes. 


KITTIWAKE 

40.  Rissa  tridactyla.     16  in. 

•  In  summer,  with  plumage  white,  except  the  gray  back 
and  wings,  and  solid  black  tips  to  the  primaries;  in 
winter,  the  sides  and  back  of  the  head  are  washed  with 
the  color  of  the  back;  young  birds  are  like  winter  adults 
but  have  a  dusky  spot  back  of  the  eye;  feet  blackish, 
bill  yellow  in  adults  and  black  in  young  birds.  Kitti- 
wakes  are  very  abundant  in  their  northern  breeding 
ground,  and  are  common  off  the  New  England  coast  in 
winter.  They  usually  keep  well  out  at  sea.  often  hov- 
ering around  fishing  boats  to  pick  up  refuse  that  is 
thrown  overboard.  They  can  easily  be  identified  by 
their  small  size,  the  distinct  black  tip  to  the  wings  and 
their  black  feet. 

Notes. — "  Keet-a-wake.  keet-a-wake." 

Nest. — A  pile  of  small  sticks,  grass  and  weeds,  placed 
on  ledges  of  sea  cliffs.  The  3  or  4  eggs  are  olive  gray, 
with  black  markings  (2.20x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  north 
to  the  Arctic  Circle;  winters  south  to  Long  Island  and 
casually  farther. 


GLAUCUS   GULL 

42.  Larus  hyperboreus.     28  in. 

Plumage  white  with  a  pearl  gray  mantle;  no  black 
in  the  plumage,  the  primaries  being  white  or  grayish ; 
bill  and  eye  yellow,  the  former  with  a  red  spot  at  the 
end  of  the  lower  mandible;  feet  flesh  color.  In  winter, 
the  head  is  slightly  streaked  with  brownish.  Young 
birds  are  mottled  grayish  brown  and  white,  of  varying 
shades,  but  always  lighter  than  the  young  of  the  Her- 
ring Gull.  Some  specimens  are  very  beautiful,  being 
entirely  white,  with  a  few  spots  of  brownish  on  the 
back,  resembling  the  markings  of  a  light-colored  Snowy 
Owl.  This  species  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  power- 
ful of  the  gull  family,  only  surpassed  by  the  Great 
Black-backed  Gull. 

Nest. — Usually  a  bulky  structure  cf  grasses,  seawi 
and  moss  placed  on  the  ground ;  the  two  or  three  eggs  are 
brownish  gray  with  brown  and  black  spots  ( 3.  x  2.20 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay 
northward;  winters  south  to  New  England,  the  Great 
Lakes  and  Calif. 


ICELAND    GULL 
43.  Lams   leucoptcrus.     25   in. 

Plumage  exactly  like  that  of  the  Glaucus  Gull  but 
the  birds  are  smaller  and  are  found  farther  north. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Greenland  and  winters  south  to 
Northern  New  England  and  the  Great  Lakes. 

KUMLIEN    GULL 
45.  Larus  kumlieni.     27   in. 

Plumage   very    similar    to    that    of    the    Iceland    and 

•  Glaucus    Gulls,    but   with    the    primaries    conspicuously 

•  gray,  with  white  tips.     As  usual  with  the  gull  family, 

•  this    species    feeds    largely,    during    the    nesting    season 
upon  eggs  and  young  of  other  sea  birds.     They  seem  to 
have  a  special  liking  for  Cormorant  eggs,  and  these  un- 
gainly creatures  have  to  sit  on  their  nests  very  closely 
to  prevent  being  robbed. 

Range. — Breeds  about  the  mouth  of  Hudson  Bay; 
winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


GREAT   BLACK-BACKED    GULL 

47.  Larus  marinus.     29   in. 

Largest  and  most  powerful  of  our  gulls.  Adults  in 
summer  have  the  head,  tail  and  underparts  white,  back 
slaty  black,  eyes  and  bill  yellow,  with  a  red  spot  near 
the  tip  of  the  lower  mandible;  feet  flesh  color;  primaries 
tipped  with  white.  In  winter,  the  head  is  streaked  with 
dusky.  Young  birds  are  mottled  with  dusky  brown 
above,  and  streaked  with  the  same  below.  These  birds 
are  very  rapacious,  and  besides  feeding  upon  refuse,  fish 
and  shellfish,  devour,  during  the  summer  season,  a  great 
many  eggs  and  young  of  other  sea  birds;  this  habit  is 
common  to  nearly  all  the  larger  gulls. 

Notes. — A  laughing  "  ha-ha  "  and  a  harsh  "  keouw." 

Nest. — Either  hollows  on  the  ground  or  masses  of 
weeds  and  drift,  hollowed  out  to  receive  the  three 
grayish  brown  eggs,  spotted  with  blackish  and  lilac. 
(3.X2.15). 

Range. — These  gulls  breed  from  Newfoundland  north- 
ward, being  most  abundant  on  the  Labrador  coast.  In 
winter  they  are  found  as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas, 
usually  in  company  with  Herrings  Gulls. 


HERRING   GULL 
51.  Larus  argentatus.     24  in. 

Adults  in  summer,  white,  with  gray  mantle,  and  black 
primaries  tipped  with  white.  In  winter,  the  head  and 
neck  are  streaked  below  with  grayish  brown.  Bills  of 
adults,  yellow  with  red  spot  on  'lower  mandible;  eye 
yellow;  feet  flesh  color;  bill  of  young,  flesh  color  with 
a  blackish  tip.  These  are  the  most  abundant  of  the 
larger  gulls  and  the  best  known  because  of  their  south- 
erly distribution.  Several  of  the  smaller  Maine  islands 
have  colonies  of  thousands  of  birds  each,  and  in  winter 
great  numbers  of  them  are  seen  in  all  the  harbors  along 
our  seacoast.  Young  gulls  are  born  covered  with  down, 
and  can  run  swiftly  and  swim  well. 

Notes. — "  Cack-cack-cack  "  and  very  noisy  squawkings 
when  disturbed  .at  their  breeding  grounds.  * 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  or  a  heap  of  weeds 
and  trash.  The  three  eggs  are  olive-gray,  spotted  with 
black  (2.8x1.7). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  the  Great  Lakes  and  Da- 
kotas  northward;  winters  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 


RING-BILLED    GULL 

54.  Larus  delawarensis.     18  in. 

Adults  in  summer. — White  with  pearl  gray  mantle; 
ends  of  outer  primaries  bluck  with  white  tips;  eye  yel- 
low; feet  and  bill  greenish-yellow,  the  latter  crossed  by 
a  black  band  near  the  tip.  In  winter,  the  head  and 
neck  are  streaked  with  grayish.  Young  birds  are  mot- 
tled brownish-gray  above,  and  the  tail  has  a  band  of 
blackish  near  the  end. 

The  adults  can  be  distinguished  from  the  Kiitiwakes, 
which  most  closely  resemble  them,  by  the  yellowish  feet 
and  white  tips  to  the  black  primaries. 

Nest. — In  hollows  in  the  ground,  usually  in  grass. 
The  two  or  three  eggs  are  gray  or  brownish  gray, 
strongly  marked  with  black  (2.80x1.75).  They  breed 
in  large  colonies,  often  in  company  with  other  gulls 
and  terns. 

Range. — Whole  or  North  America,  breeding  from  New 
Foundland,  Dakota  and  British  Columbia  northwards, 
most  abundantly  in  the  interior;  winters  from  Northern 
United  States  southward. 


41 


LAUGHING    GULL 

58.  Larus   atricilla.     16   in. 

Largest  of  the  black-headed  gulls.  Bill  and  feet  car- 
mine-red; primaries  wholly  black  or  only  with  slight 
white  tips;  eye  brown;  in  breeding  season,  with  the 
underparts  tinged  with  pinkish.  In  winter,  without  the 
black  hood,  the  head  being  tinged  with  grayish,  and  the 
bill  and  feet  dusky.  Young  birds  are  like  winter  adults 
with  the  back  more  or  less  mixed  with  brownish  and 
the  tail  crossed  by  a  black  band.  The  most  southerly 
distributed  of  our  eastern  gulls,  its  northern  breeding 
place  being  on  the  southern  shore  of  Mass. 

Notes. — Strange  cackling  laughter;  hence  their  name. 

Nest. — Heaps  of  rubbish  and  weeds  on  the  ground  in 
wet  marshes.  The  3  to  5  eggs  are  gray  or  olive-gray 
with  black  spots  (2.25x1.60). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  north  to 
Mass.,  and  in  the  interior  to  Ohio,  but  most  abundantly 
on  the  South  Atlantic  coast.  Winters  from  the  Caro- 
linas  to  Northern  South  America. 


FRANKLIN    GULL 
59.  Larus  franklini.     15  in. 

Adult  in  summer. — Hood  dark;  mantle  lighter  than 
the  last  species;  primaries  gray  with  black  ends  broadly 
tipped  with  white;  underparts  rosy;  bill  and  feet  red, 
the  former  dark  toward  the  tip,,  and  more  slender  than 
that  of  the  Laughing  Gull.  In  winter,  -the  plumage 
changes  the  same  as  that  of  the  last  but  the  color  of  the 
primaries  and  the  shape  of  the  bill  will  always  indentify 
this  species.  These  gulls  are  strictly  birds  of  the  inte- 
rior, nesting  on  low  marshy  islands  in  ponds  or  sloughs, 
often  in  company  with  grebes,  upon  whose  eggs  they 
subsist  to  a  great  extent. 

Notes. — Similar  to  those  of  the  last  species. 

Nest. — A  mass  of  weeds,  etc.,  on  the  ground  in 
marshes,  often  partly  floating  in  the  water.  The  eggs 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  Laughing  Gull  but  the  mark- 
ings are  usually  in  the  form  of  zigzag  lines  as  well  as 
spots  (2.25x1.60). 

Range. — Interior  of  North  America,  breeding  from 
Iowa  and  the  Dakotas  north  to  Middle  Canada;  winters 
from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


BONAPARTE  GULL 

60.  Larus  Philadelphia.     14  in. 

Adult  in  summer. — Hood  lighter  gray  and  not  as 
extensive  as  in  the  last  two  species;  bill  slender  and 
black;  feet  coral  red;  primaries  white  with  black  tips 
and  outer  web  of  first  one;  mantle  paler  than  either  of 
the  last.  In  winter,  the  head  is  white  with  gray  spots 
back  of  the  eyes.  Young  birds  have  the  back  mixed 
with  brownish  and  the  tail  with  a  band  of  black  near 
the  tip,  but  the  bill  and  primaries  always  separate  this 
species  in  any  plumage  from  the  other  black-headed 
gulls.  Thes  little  gulls  are  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
and  graceful  of  the  familv,  but  they  are  rarely  found 
in  the  U.  S.  with  the  dark  hood. 

Nest. — Of  weeds  and  grass  on  the  ground,  but  not  in 
the  watery  situations  chosen  by  the  preceding  species. 
The  three  eggs  are  olive-brown,  marked  with  blackish 
(1.90x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Hudson  Bay  and 
Northern  Manitoba  northward.  Winters  from  Maine, 
the  Great  Lakes  and  British  Columbia  southward. 


ROSS    GULL;    WEDGE-TAILED    GULL 

61.  Rhodostethia  rosea.     13  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender;  tail  wedge-shaped.  Adults  in 
summer. — With  no  hood,  but  with  narrow  black  collar; 
mantle  light  pearl;  primaries  wholly  white  with  the 
exception  of  a  blackish  outer  web  to  the  first  one;  feet 
coral  red,  and  underparts  tinged  with  rosy  in  the  nest- 
ing season.  In  winter,  with  no  black  collar  nor  pink 
underparts,  and  with  blackish  spot  before  the  eye. 
Young  mixed  with  blackish  above,  and  with  a  black 
band  across  the  tip  of  the  tail;  feet  black;  easily  dis- 
tinguished, when  in  the  hand,  by  the  very  small  bill, 
and  the  wedge  shaped  tail.  This  gull  has  the  most 
northern  distribution  of  any  known  bird,  except,  pos- 
sibly, the  Knot.  Its  breeding  grounds  were  first  re- 
ported by  Nansen  in  1896,  in  Franz  Josef  Land.  It  is 
one  of  the  rarest  birds  in  collections. 

Range. — Polar  regions,  south  in  winter  to  Point  Bar- 
row, Alaska,  and  Disco  Bay,  Greenland. 


45 


SABINE    GULL 
62.  Xema  sabini.     14  in. 

Tail  slightly  forked;  bill  small  and  black,  tipped  with 
yellow.  Adults  in  summer. — Head  with  a  slaty-gray 
hood,  edged  with  a  black  ring  around  the  neck;  outer 
primaries  black,  with  white  tips,  and  edge  of  shoulder 
black;  feet  blackish;  eye  ring  orange  red.  In  winter, 
without  the  hood  or  collar,  but  the  head  is  tinged  with 
iiray  on  the  ears  and  nape.  Young  birds  most  nearly 
resemble  those  of  the  Bonaparte  Gull,  but  the  primaries 
are  blackish,  and  the  tail  slightly  forked.  This  species 
is  very  abundant  within  the  Arctic  Circle,  but  is  not 
as  boreal  as  the  last. 

Nest. — In  depressions  in  the  ground,  usually  lined 
with  grass;  the  three  eggs  are  olive-brown,  marked  with 
deeper  brown  and  black  (1.75x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Alaska  and  the  islands 
about  the  mouth  of  Hudson  Bay  northwards;  winters 
south  on  the  Atlantic  coast  to  Maine  and  rarely  New 
York. 


GULL-BILLED    TERN 

63.  Gelochelidon  nilotica.     14  in. 

Differs  from  all  other  terns  in  the  shape  of  its  black 
bill,  which  is  stout,  but  with  the  upper  mandible  not 
hooked  nor  curved,  as  in  the  gulls.  Tail  forked  about 
1.5  in.  Adults  have  the  crown  black  in  summer,  while 
in  winter  the  head  is  white,  with  the  nape  and  spot  in 
front  of  eye,  black  mixed  with  white.  Young  birds  are 
similar  to  winter  adults  but  have  the  back  feathers 
margined  with  brownish,  and  the  neck  streaked  with 
gray.  This  species  is  found  only  on  our  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts,  and  is  not  abundant  anywhere. 

Notes. — A  high,  thin,  somewhat  reeay  "  tee-tee-tee," 
sometimes  suggesting  a  weak  voiced  katydid  (Chap- 
man). 

Nest. — A  slight,  unlined  depression  in  the  short  marsh 
grass  or  on  the  beaches.  The  three  eggs  are  olive  gray, 
spotted  with  black  and  brown  (1.80x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  Texas  and  along  the  Gulf  and 
South  Atlantic  coasts  to  Virginia;  later,  may  wander 
north  to  New  England;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


CASPIAN    TERN 
64.  Sterna  caspia.     21   in. 

Largest  of  our  terns.  Bill  heavy  and  bright  red; 
head  crested;  tail  forked  about  1.5  in.;  eyes  brown. 
Adults  in  summer  have  the  crown  and  occipital  crest 
glossy  black.  Winter  adults  and  young  birds  have  the 
crown  mixed  with  white,  and  the  latter  are  also  blotcued 
with  blackish  on  wings  and  tail. 

Nest. — The  2  or  3  buffy,  spotted  eggs  are  laid  in  hol- 
lows in  the  sand.  Size  2.60x1.75. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  along  the  South  Atlantic  coast 
and  in  the  interior  to  Great  Slave  Lake. 

ROYAL    TERN 
65.  Sterna  maxima.     19  in. 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  smaller;  bill  more  slender; 
tail  forked  3.5  in. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  sand.  The  2  or  3  eggs  are 
creamy  buff,  with  distinct  blackish-brown  spots  (2.60x 
1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States  and  north  to  Vir- 
ginia and  Calif.;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


CABOT   TERN 

67.  Sterna  sandmcensis  acuflavida.     16  in. 

Head  crested;  bill  and  feet  blackish,  the  former  with 
a  yellow  tip.  Adults  have  the  crown  glossy  black. 
Young  birds,  and  winter  adults,  have  the  crown  mixed 
with  white,  and  the  former  have  blackish  markings  on 
the  wings;  tail  forked  2.75  in.  Like  the  majority  of 
terns,  these  breed  in  immense  colonies. 

Nest. — Their  two  or  three  eggs  are  deposited  in  slight 
hollows  in  the  sand.  They  are  cream  colored,  boldly 
spotted  with  blackish  brown  (2.10x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Florida  Keys,  Bahamas  and 
the  West  Indies;  later  may  stray  north  as  far  as  New 
England;  winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

TRUDEAU    TERN 

69.  Sterna   trudeaui.     14  in. 

This  is  a  lare  South  American  species,  described  by 
Audubon  as  having  occurred  in  New  Jersey  and  New 
York.  It  has  the  form  of  the  Forster  Tern,  a  bright 
yellow  bill  and  no  black  crown,  but  a  black  line  through 
the  eye  to  the  ears. 
4 


50 


FORSTER   TERN 
69.  Sterna  forsteri.     15  in. 

No  crest  on  this  or  any  of  the  following  terns.  Tail 
forked  4  in.;  below  pure  white.  In  summer,  with  bill 
and  feet  orange  red;  crown  black.  In  winter,  the  crown 
is  white,  but  there  is  a  blackish  patch  about  the  eyes, 
and  the  bill  and  feet  are  dark.  These  beautiful  birds 
are  often  known  as  "  Sea  Swallows,"  because  of  their 
similarity  in  form  and  flight  to  those  well  known  land 
birds.  They  are  the  embodiment  of  grace  as  they  dart 
about  high  in  the  air.  bill  pointed  downward,  alert  and 
ready  to  dart  down  upon  any  small  fish  or  eel  that 
may  attract  their  fancy.  They  usually  get  their  food 
by  plunging. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  twanging  "  cack." 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  .in  which  the  3  eggs  are 
laid  in  June.  Eggs  whitish,  greenish  or  brownish,  vari- 
ously marked  with  brown,  black  and  lavender.  (l.SOx 
1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior,  north  to  Manitoba, 
and  on  the  coasts  to  Virginia  and  Calif.  Winters  from 
the  Gulf  States  southward. 


COMMON    TERN 

70.  Sterna    hirundo.     15   in. 

Mantle  darker  than  that  of  any  of  the  similar  terns; 
washed  with  grayish  below;  bill  and  feet  bright  red, 
the  former  shading  to  black  on  the  tip;  tail  less  deeply 
forked  (3.1  in.)  ;  edge  of  outer  primaries  and  outer 
tail  feathers,  blackish.  Changes  in  winter  correspond 
to  those  of  the  last.  Young  birds  have  the  feathers  on 
the  back  margined  with  brownish. 

Note. — An  energetic  "  tee-arr,  tee-arr." 

Nest. — The  three  eggs  are  laid  in  a  slight  hollow  on 
the  sandy  beach. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  the  Gulf  States  to  Green- 
land and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 

ARCTIC    TERN 

71.  Sterna  paradiscea.     15.5  in. 

Similar  to  the  Common  Tern,  but  tail  longer  (forke< 
4.5  in.)  and  bill  wholly  red.  In  winter,  bill  and  feet 
dark,  as  are  those  of  the  others. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Mass,  northwards;  winters  in 
the  south. 


ROSEATE    TERN 
72.  Sterna  dougalli.     15.5  in. 

This  species  is  the  most  gracefully  formed  of  the  terns. 
The  tail  is  7.5  in.  long,  forked  to  a  depth  of  5.25  in. 
In  summer,  the  bill  is  blackish,  changing  to  red  only  at 
the  base.  The  underparts  are  a  beautiful  rosy  tint  in 
the  breeding  season;  tail  entirely  white;  feet  red.  In 
winter  the  usual  changes  occur,  and  young  birds  have 
dusky  edges  to  the  feathers  of  the  "back  and  wings. 
Terns  are  now  becoming  more  abundant  on  our  coast, 
their  slaughter  and  persecution  for  millinery  purposes 
fortunately  having  been  stopped  in  time  to  prevent  their 
extinction. 

They  feed  chiefly  upon  small  fish  and  marine  insects, 
and  often  gather  about  fishing  boats,  waiting  for  an 
opportunity  to  dive  after  any  bit  that  may  be  thrown 
overboard. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "  cack  "  and  "  tee-arr,"  like  that  of 
the  common  Tern. 

Nest. — Eggs  like  those  of  the  similar  terns. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Atlantic  coast  north  to  Mass.; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


LEAST    TERN 

74.  Sterna  antillarum.     9  in. 

Smallest  of  our  terns.  Adult  in  summer. — Crown, 
nape,  and  line  through  the  eye,  black;  forehead  and 
line  above  the  eye,  white;  bill  and  feet  yellow,  the  for- 
mer black  at  the  tip.  In  winter,  the  crown  is  white,  the 
blackish  being  restricted  to  the  nape  and  about  the  eyes. 

These  pretty  little  sea  swallows  were  abundant  both 
on  the  coast  and  in  the  interior  but  are  yearly  becom- 
ing more  scarce  especially  oh  the  Atlantic  coast.  They 
are  very  aggressive  when  anyone  approaches  their  nest- 
ing grounds  and  will  continually  dash  down  at  you  as 
they  utter  their  sharp  cries  of  disapproval. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  metallic  clattering  "  cheep,  cheep." 

Nest. — Two  or  three  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  bare  sand. 
They  are  buffy-gray,  sharply  specked  with  blackish  ( 1.25 
x.95). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Mass.,  the  Great  Lakes  and 
Calif.;  winters  south  of  the  United  States, 


SOOTY    TERN 

75.  Sterna  fuscata.     17  in. 

Adult  in  summer. — Above  sooty -black,  except  the 
vhite  outer  tail  feathers.  Crown,  line  through  the  eye, 
>ill  and  feet,  black;  forehead  and  underparts  white;  eye 
red.  Young  birds  are  smoky  slate  color  all  over,  with 
the  tail  feathers,  and  some  on  the  back  and  breast,  tipped 
vith  whitish.  This  is  the  "  egg  bird  "  of  tropical  coun- 
;ries,  thousands  of  their  eggs  being  taken  for  food. 

Note. — A  nasal  "  ker-wacky-wak  "   (Chapman). 

Nest. — A  single  egg  deposited  in  a  hollow  in  the  sand; 
it  is  creamy-white,  spotted  with  blackish-brown. 

Range. — Tropical  countries:  breeds  north  to  the  Flor- 
ida Keys  and  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  sometimes 
wanders  north  to  New  England. 

BRIDLED    TERN 

76.  Sterna  ancetheta.     15  in. 

^^m       Similar   to   the   last,   but   the   back   and   wings   much 
I   lighter,  and  the  white  of  the  forehead  extends  over  the 
eyes;    nape  whitish. 
*  Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas. 


BLACK    TERN 

77.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis.     10  in. 

Adults  in  summer  with  the  head,  neck  and  underparts, 
black;  back,  wings  and  tail,  dark  gray;  eyes  brown. 
In  winter,  the  forehead,  neck  and  underparts  are  white; 
nape  and  patch  back  of  eye  blackish. 

In  summer  these  little  terns  are  found  only  in  the 
interior,  where  they  nest  about  marshy  ponds.  They 
are  very  pugnacious  and  will  sometimes  touch  an  in- 
truder with  their  wings  as  they  dart  past.  As  usual 
with  the  family,  they  nest  in  colonies. 

Notes. — A  sharp  "peek."      (Chapman). 

Nest. — A  pile  of  weeds  and  trash  in  sloughs  on  the 
prairies,  or  about  the  edges  of  marshy  lakes,  the  nests 
often  being  surrounded  by,  and  partly  floating  in  the 
water.  The  three  eggs  are  very  dark  colored,  having 
an  olive-brown  or  greenish  background,  blotched  with 
black.  (1.35x.95). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  middle  U.  S. 
north  to  Alaska  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the 
U.  S.,  migrating  along  the  Atlantic  coast  as  well  as  in 
the  interior. 


NODDY 
79.  Anous  stolidus.     15  in. 

Adults  with  the  crown  silvery-white,  the  rest  of  the 
plumage  being  sooty-brown;  the  bill,  feet  and  line  to 
the  eye  are  black.  The  plumage  of  these  beautiful  birds 
is  very  soft  and  pleasing  to  the  eye.  They  look  to  be 
gentle  and  confiding,  and  a  closer  acquaintance  shows 
that  they  are.  They  will  frequently  allow  themselves 
to  be  touched  with  the  hand  before  they  leave  their 
nests.  They  are  abundant  in  some  of  the  Bahaman  and 
West  Indian  Islands,  where  they  nest  in  company  with 
other  species. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  reedy  "  cack  "  increasing  to  a  gut- 
tural "  k-r-r-r-r-r-r-r."  (Chapman). 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  grasses,  placed  at  low  elevations 
in  the  tops  of  trees  and  bushes,  or  upon  the  ground. 
The  single  egg  that  they  lay  is  buffy,  spotted  with  black 
and  brown.  (2.00x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  on  Bird 
Key  near  Key  West;  rarely  wanders  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  to  South  Carolina, 


SKIMMERS— Family  Rynchopidae 
BLACK   SKIMMER 

80.  Rynchops  nigra.     18   in. 

These  strange  birds  are  not  apt  to  be  mistaken  for 
any  other.  They  are  locally  abundant  on  the  South 
Atlantic  coast  as  far  north  as  Virginia.  Their  flight 
is  swift  and  more  direct  than  that  of  terns;  they  fly 
in  compact  flocks,  in  long  sweeps  over  the  water,  feed- 
ing by  dropping  their  long,  thin  mandible  beneath  the 
surface  and  gathering  in  everything  edible  that  comes 
in  their  path. 

Notes. — Baying  like  a  pack  of  hounds. 

Nest. — Their  3  or  4  eggs  are  deposited  in  hollows  in 
the  sandy  beaches.  They  are  creamy- white,  beautifully 
marked  with  blackish-brown  and  gray.  (1.75x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  to  New  Jersey;  after  nesting,  they  occasionally 
wander  northward  as  far  as  Nova  Scotia;  winters  from 
the  Gulf  States  southwards. 


TUBE-NOSED   SWIMMERS— Order  Tubinares 
SHEARWATERS— Family  ProceUaridae 

FULMAR 
86.  Fulmarus  glacialis.     19  in. 

Bill  short  and  stout,  compared  to  that  of  the  shear- 
waters, strongly  hooked  at  the  tip  and  with  the  nostrils 
opening  out  of  a  single  tube,  prominently  located  on  the 
top  of  the  bill.  They  have  two  color  phases,  the  light 
one  being  gull-like,  but  the  tail  is  gray  like  the  mantle: 
eyes  brown;  bill  and  feet  yellowish.  In  the  dark  phase 
they  are  uniformly  gray  above  and  below.  These  plum- 
ages appear  to  be  independent  of  sex  or  age.  They  are 
extremely  abundant  at  some  of  their  breeding  grounds 
in  the  far  north.  The  birds  are  constant  companions 
of  the  whalers,  and  feed  largely  upon  blubber  that  is 
thrown  overboard. 

Nest. — Their  single  white  eggs  are  laid  upon  bare 
ledges  of  sea  cliffs.  (2.90x2.00). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  North  Atlantic  and  Arctic 
Oceans  from  Labrador  and  northern  Scotland  north- 
ward; winters  south  regularly. 


CORY   SHEARWATER 

88.  Puffinus  borealis.     21   in. 

This  rare  bird  is  found  off  the  coast  of  New  England 
and  in  Long  Island  Sound  from  July  to  September.  It 
is  slightly  larger  than  the  similar  Greater  Shearwater, 
the  back  and  head  are  lighter  in  color,  the  entire  under- 
parts  are  white,  and  the  bill  is  yellowish.  Its  nesting 
habits  and  eggs  are  unknown,  but  they  are  supposed  to 
breed  in  the  Antarctic  regions. 

The  majority  of  specimens  that  have  been  taken  have 
been  found  off  Chatham,  Mass. 

AUDUBON   SHEARWATER 

92.  Puffinus   Iherminieri.     12    in. 

This  small  shearwater,  except  in  point  of  size,  is  quite 
similar  to  the  following,  but  the  under  parts  are  white, 
except  the  under  tail  coverts  which  are  sooty;  the  back 
and  head  are  somewhat  lighter  too.  They  nest  in  abun- 
dance on  some  of  the  Bahaman  and  West  Indian  Islands, 
and  can  usually  be  met  with  off  the  South  Atlantic 
coast  in  summer. 

Their  eggs,  which  are  pure  white  (2.00x1.35),  are 
deposited  at  the  end  of  burrows  dug  by  the  birds. 


GREATER   SHEARWATER 
89.  Puffinus  gravis.     20  in. 


Entire  upper  parts,  top  and 
feet,   grayish   or   brownish-black; 


sides  of  head,  bill  and 
middle   of   belly    and 

under  tail  coverts  dusky.  This  species  is  the*  most 
abundant  of  the  shearwaters  found  off  our  coast.  They 
are  constant  attendants  of  the  fishermen  when  they  are 
at  work,  and  at  other  times  are  usually  to  be  seen 
flying  low  over  the  water,  or  resting  in  large  bodies 
upon  its  surface.  Their  flight  is  peculiar  and  distinc- 
tive, —  three  flaps  of  the  wings  then  a  short  sail,  re- 
peated over  and  over.  Possibly  this  habit  is  acquired 
by  their  swooping  down  into  the  troughs  of  waves,  then 
flapping  to  clear  the  next  crest.  They  are  very  greedy 
and  continually  quarreling  among  themselves  in  order 
to  get  the  lion's  share  of  the  food.  They  are  called 
"  Haglets  "  by  the  fishermen. 

Notes.  —  Harsh,  discordant  squawks  when  feeding. 

Nest.  —  While  the  habits  of  these  birds  are  well  known 
their  breeding  places  are  yet  a  mystery. 

Range.  —  Whole  North  Atlantic  coast  in  summer. 


SOOTY   SHEARWATER 

94.  Puffinus  griseus.     17  in. 

Sooty  grayish-black  all  over  except  the  under  wing 
coverts,  which  are  whitish;  eye  brown,  bill  and  feet 
black.  A  few  of  these  may  usually  be  seen  with  flocks 
of  the  Greater  Shearwaters,  and  sometimes  a  flock  com- 
posed entirely  of  this  variety  will  be  encountered.  They 
are  expert  swimmers  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  but 
I  have  never  seen  one  dive.  Their  food  is  almost  if  not 
wholly  composd  of  oily  refuse .  gathered  from  the  sur- 
face of  the  water.  In  order  to  take  flight,  they  paddle 
along  the  water  a  few  steps;  it  is  difficult  for  them  to 
rise,  except  against  the  wind.  If  you  sail  upon  them 
irom  the  windward,  they  go  squawking  and  pattering 
over  the  water  in  all  directions,  and  can  frequently  be 
caught  in  nets.  They  are  very  tame,  and  will  some- 
times take  food  offered  them,  from  the  hand. 

Notes. — Guttural  squawks  like  those  of  the  large 
species. 

Range. — North  Atlantic  coast  in  summer. 


STORMY    PETREL 
104.  Thalassidroma  pelagica.     5.5   in. 

Smallest  of  our  petrels,  and  darker  than  either  the 
Leach  or  Wilson;  tail  square;  upper  tail  coverts  white, 
tipped  with  black. 

This  species  is  rare  on  the  coasts  of  this  country,  but 
is  common  on  the  shores  of  the  old  world.  It  is  the 
original  "  Mother  Gary's  Chicken."  They  nest  abun- 
dantly on  the  shores  of  Europe  and  the  British  Isles. 

Their  single  white  eggs,  deposited  at  the  end  of  bur- 
rows, are  dull  white  with  a  faint  wreath  of  brown  dots. 

WILSON    PETREL 

109.  Oceanites  oceanicus.     7  in. 

Tail  square  at  end;  coverts  white,  not  tipped  with 
I  black;  legs  long,  with  yellow  webs.  This  species  is  very 
I  abundant  on  our  Atlantic  coast  from  July  to  Sept., 
•  spending  the  summer  here  after  having  nested  in  the 
W-  Kerguelen  Is.  in  February.  Their  upper  parts  are  much 
more  darker  than  those  of  Leach  Petrel. 

Their  note  is  a  weak  twittering  "  keet-keet." 


LEACH    PETREL 

106.  Oceanodroma  leucorhoa.     8  in. 

Tail  forked;  tail  coverts  white,  not  tipped  with  black; 
legs  much  shorter  than  those  of  Wilson  Petrel,  which  is 
the  only  other  common  species  on  our  eastern  coasts. 
Leach  Petrel  is  a  very  abundant  breeding  bird  on  Maine 
islands  and  northward.  Some  of  the  soft  peaty  banks 
of  islands  are  honeycombed  with  entrances  to  their  bur- 
rows, which  extend  back,  near  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
for  two  or  three  feet,  and  terminate  in  an  enlarged 
chamber.  Here  one  of  the  birds  is  always  found  during 
the  period  of  incubation,  and  sometimes  both  birds,  but 
one  is  usually  at  sea  feeding  during  the  daytime,  re- 
turning at  night  to  relieve  its  mate.  All  petrels  and 
their  eggs  have  a  peculiar,  characteristic  and  oppressive 
odor. 

Notes. — A  weak  clucking. 

Nest. — Single  egg  at  end  of  burrow;  white  with  a 
very  faint  ring  of  brown  dots  around  the  large  end. 

Range. — Breeds  northward  from  Maine:  winters  to 
Virginia. 


TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS— Order  Steganopodes 
TROPIC    BIRD— Family    Phaethontidae 

YELLOW-BILLED    TROPIC   BIRD 
112.  Phcethon  americanus.     30   to   34   in. 

Form  tern-like,  but  with  the  central  tail  feathers 
much  lengthened  (about  18  in.)  ;  legs  short  and  not 
very  strong;  all  four  toes  connected  by  webs. 

These  beautiful  creatures  fly  with  the  ease  and  grace 
f  a  tern,  but  with  more  rapid  beating  of  the  wings, 
ey  are  strong  and  capable  of  protracted  flight,  often 
fro 


ng  found  hundreds  of  miles  from  land.  They  feed 
on  small  fish  which  they  capture  by  diving  upon 
>m  a  height  above  the  water,  and  upon  snails,  etc., 
it  they  get  from  the  beaches  and  ledges.  They  are 
ry  buoyant,  and  sit  high  in  the  water  with  their  tails 
elevated  to  keep  them  from  getting  wet. 

Nest. — A   mass    of    weeds    and    seaweed    placed    upon 
rocky  ledges.     The  single  egg  that  they  lay  is  creamy, 
so  thickly  sprinkled  and  dotted  with  purplish  brown  as 
to  obscure  the  ground  color.     (2.10x1.45). 
.  .  Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  Bermudas. 


GANNETS— Family  Sulidse 
BLUE-FACED    BOOBY 

114.  Sula  cyanops.     28  in. 

Bill,  face  and  naked  throat  pouch,  slaty-blue;  eye 
yellow;  feet  reddish.  Plumage  white  except  the  pri- 
maries, secondaries  and  other  tail  feathers,  which  are 
black.  Young  birds  are  streaked  above  \vith  gray  and 
brownish,  and  are  dull  white  below.  Boobies  are  birds 
of  wide  distribution  in  the  Tropics,  this  species  being 
rarely  seen  in  southern  Florida,  but  quite  abundant  on 
some  of  the  West  Indian  islands.  Owing  to  the  numer- 
ous air  cells  beneath  their  skin,  they  are  very  buoyant 
and  can  ride  the  waves  with  ease  during  severe  storms. 
They  secure  their  prey,  which  is  chiefly  fish,  by  plung- 
ing after  it. 

Nest. — Their  one  or  two  eggs  are  laid  usually  upon 
the  bare  ground  on  low  islands,  or  sometimes  in  weed- 
lined  hollows.  The  eggs  are  pure  white,  covered  with 
a  thick  chalky  deposit  (2.50x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  the  Gulf 
of  California;  sometimes  strays  to  Florida. 


BOOBY 
115.  Sula  leucogastra.     30  in. 

This  species,  commonly  called  the  Brown  Booby,  is 
brownish  black  with  the  exception  of  a  white  breast  and 
underparts.  Young  birds  are  entirely  brownish  black; 
bill  and  feet  greenish  yellow;  eye  white.  They  are 
one  of  the  most  abundant  breeding  birds  upon  many  of 
the  Bahaman  and  West  Indian  Islands.  They  have 
great  powers  of  flight  and  dart  about  with  the  speed 
of  arrows,  carrying  their  long  bill  and  neck  at  full 
length  before  them.  They  are  awkward  walkers,  and, 
owing  to  their  buoyancy,  it  is  difficult  for  them  to 
swim  under  w^ater,  but  they  are  unerring  in  securing 
their  prey  by  plunging  upon  it  from  a  height. 

Nest. — They  breed  in  colonies  of  thousands,  laying 
their  two  eggs  upon  the  bare  sand  or  rocks.  The  eggs 
are  chalky  wrhite,  more  or  less  nest  stained.  (2.40x 
1.60). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Bahamas  and  West  Indies; 
wanders  north  casually  to  the  Carolinas. 


GANNET 

117.  Sula  bassana.     35  in. 

Primaries  black;  rest  of  plumage  white;  back  of  head 
tinged  with  straw  color;  bill  and  feet  bluish  black. 
Young  grayish  or  brownish  black,  mottled  above  and 
streaked  below.  This  species  is  the  largest  and  most 
northerly  distributed  of  the  gannet  family.  Thousands 
upon  thousands  of  them  breed  upon  high  rocky  islets 
off  the  British  coast.  The  only  known  nesting  places 
used  by  them  in  this  country  are  Bird  Rock  and  Bona- 
venture  Island  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  -Lawrence;  in  these 
places  they  nest  by  thousands,  their  rough  piles  of  sea- 
weed touching  each  other  in  long  rows  on  the  narrow 
ledges. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "  gor-r-r-rok."     (Chapman). 

Range. — North  Atlantic,  breeding,  on  the  American 
side,  only  on  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Win- 
ters along  the  whole  United  States  coast,  floating  in 
large  flocks  out  at  sea,  and  rarely  coming  on  land. 


68 


DARTERS— Family  Anhingdae 
ANHINGA;    SNAKE    BIRD 
118.  Anhinga  anhinga.     35  in. 

Adult  male  with  a  glossy  greenish-black  head,  neck 
and  underparts,  the  neck  being  covered  behind,  in  breed- 
ing season,  with  numerous  filamentous,  whitish  plumes. 
Female  and  young  with  neck  and  breast  fawn  color  in 
front.  Eyes  red,  face  greenish  and  gular  pouch  orange. 
Middle  tail  feathers  curiously  crimped.  These  peculiar 
birds  spend  their  lives  within  the  recesses  of  swamps, 
the  more  dismal  and  impenetrable,  the  better.  They 
perch  on  limbs  overhanging  the  water  and  dive  after 
fish,  frogs,  lizards,  etc.,  that  pass  beneath,  from  which 
they  get  one  of  their  names,  American  Darter.  They 
swim  with  the  body  submerged,  with  only  their  serpent- 
like  head  and  neck  visible;  hence  they  are  called  Snake- 
birds. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  leaves  in  bushes  or  trees  over 
water,  large  colonies  of  them  nesting  in  the  same  swamp. 
The  3  to  5  eggs  are  bluish,  covered  with  a  chalky  de- 
posit (2.25x1.35). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Carolinas  and  111.  Win- 
ters in  Gulf  States. 


CORMORANTS— Family  Phalacrocoracidae 
CORMORANT 

119.  Phalacrocorax  car&o.     36  in. 

Largest  of  our  cormorants;  tail  with  14  feathers. 
Adults  with  glossy  black  head,  neck  and  underparts; 
in  breeding  season  with  white  plumes  on  the  neck  and 
a  white  patch  on.  the  flanks.  Young  with  throat  and 
belly  white,  rest  of  underparts  mixed  brown  with  black. 
Cormorants  feed  chiefly  upon  fish  which  they  pursue 
and  catch  under  water.  They  were  formerly  extensively, 
and  are  now  to  a  less  extent,  used  by  the  Chinese  to 
catch  fish  for  them,  a  ring  being  placed  around  their 
neck  to  prevent  their  swallowing  their  prey. 

Nest. — Made  of  seaweed  and  sticks  on  narrow  ledges 
of  rocky  islets  or  sea  cliffs,  this  species  being  entirely 
maritime.  The  four  eggs  are  greenish-white,  covered 
with  a  chalky  deposit.  (2.50x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Nova  Scotia  and  Newfoundland 
north  to  Labrador  and  Greenland;  winters  south  to  the 
middle  states. 


DOUBLE-CRESTED    CORMORANT 
120.  Plialacrocorax  auritus.     30  in. 

Tail   with    12    feathers;    distinguished   from   the   last 
species  in  any  plumage  by  the  shape  of  the  gular  sac; 
on  the  common   Cormorant  the  feathers  on  the  throat 
extend  forward  to  a  point,  making  the  hind  end  of  the 
pouch  heart-flihaped,  while  in  the  present  species  it  is 
convex.     In  breeding  plumage,  this  species  has  a  tuft  of 
lack  feathers  on  either  side  of  the  head.     The  throat 
>uch  is  orange  yellow:    eyes  green.     These  cormorants 

•  are  found  to  some  extent  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  in 
*"    Hiinmer,   from   Maine   northward,   but  they   are   chiefly 
3?   birds   of   the    interior,   being   particularly    abundant    in 
R   Manitoba. 

Nest. — On  ledges  on  the  coast,  and  on  the  ground  in 

•  the  interior,  or  in  trees.     The  nests  are  made  of  sticks 

•  and   weeds,   shallow,   shabby   platforms   holding   3   or   4 

•  eggs.    The  eggs  are  bluish-green  and  chalky. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  on  the  coast,  Minnesota 
northward;  locally  in  North  Carolina.  Winters  in  the 
Gulf  States.  120a.,  Fla.  Cormorant,  found  in  the  South 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  is  smaller. 


MEXICAN    CORMORANT 
121.  Phalacrocorax  vigua  mexicanus.     25  in. 

Adults  with  feathers  bordering  on  the  gular  sac,  white. 
In  breeding  plumage,  the  sides  of  head  and  neck  have 
tufts  of  filmy  white  feathers,  eyes  green,  as  they  are  in 
all  cormorants.  All  cormorants  are  expert  swimmers 
and  fishermen.  They  never  plunge  for  their  prey,  but 
pursue  and  catch  it  under  water,  the  same  as  do  the 
grebes.  When  perching,  they  sit  erect  with  their  neck 
bent  in  the  form  of  a  letter  S.  They  fly  with  their 
necks  outstretched,  and  with  rather  slow  wing  beats. 
They  are  very  gregarious  and  nest  in  large  colonies, 
this  species  always  being  found  in  swamps  or  heavy 
shrubbery,  surrounding  bodies  of  water. 

Nest. — Usually  in  trees  overhanging  the  water,  or 
upon  the  ground,  in  either  case  being  made  of  stick; 
and  weeds.  The  3  to  5  eggs  are  bluish-green,  covere( 
with  a  chalky  deposit  (2.25x1.35). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  extreme  southern  bound- 
ary of  the  United  States ;  wanders  north  casually  to 
111.  in  summer. 


PELICANS— Family  Pelecanidae 

WHITE   PELICAN 
125.  Pelecanus   erythrorhynchus.     5   feet. 

White  with  black  primaries.  Eve  white:  bill  and 
feet  yellow,  the  former  in  the  breeding  season  being 
adorned  with  a  thin  upright  knob  about  midway  on  the 
top  of  the  upper  mandible.  The  large  pouch,  with  which 
pelicans  are  armed,  is  used  as  a  dip  net  to  secure  their 
food,  which  consists  of  small  fish.  The  White  Pelican 
scoops  up  fish  as  he  swims  along  the  surface  of  the 
water;  when  he  has  his  pouch  partially  filled,  he  tilts 
his  head,  contracts  the  pouch,  thereby  squeezing  the  wa- 
ter out  of  the  sides  of  his  mouth,  and  swallows  his  fish. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  weeds  on  the  ground  on  islands 
or  shores  of  inland  lakes.  They  breed  in  colonies,  and 
lay  their  eggs  in  June.  The  two  or  three  eggs  are  pure 
white  (3.45x2.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Utah  and  Minn, 
northward.  Winters  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  in  Florida; 
rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BROWN    PELICAN 
126.  Pelecanus  occidentalis.     4.5  feet. 

Pouch  greenish;  eye  white;  back  of  neck  in  breeding 
season,  rich  velvety  brown;  at  other  seasons  the  whole 
head  is  white.  These  pelicans  nest  abundantly  on  some 
of  the  islands  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  the  U.  S.,  on  Pelican 
Island  on  the  east  coast  of  Florida,  and  sometimes  on 
the  coast  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina.  Like  the 
White  Pelican,  this  species  lives  chiefly  upon  small  fish, 
but  they  procure  them  in  a  different  manner.  They  are 
continually  circling  about  at  a  low  elevation  above  the 
water  and,  upon  sighting  a  school  of  fish,  will  plunge 
headfirst  into  it,  securing  as  many  as  possible. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  in  low  trees,  in  the 
latter  case  being  more  bulky  than  in  the  former;  com- 
posed of  sticks  and  weeds.  The  three  to  five  eggs  that 
they  lay  are  pure  white  with  the  chalky  covering  com- 
mon to  eggs  of  birds  belonging  to  this  order. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  coast,  and  on  the  South 
Atlantic,  north  to  South  Carolina;  later  may  casually 
stray  to  New  England;  winters  on  the  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts. 


MAN-O'-WAR   BIRDS— Family  Fregatidae 
MAN-O'-WAR    BIRD;    FRIGATE   BIRD 

128.  Fregata  aquila.     40  in. 

Eye  brown;  bill  long,  comparatively  slender,  and  flesh 
colored;  gular  sac  orange;  feet  small  and  weak,  with 
the  four  toes  joined  by  webs.  Frigate  birds  are  strictly 
maritime;  they  nest  in  large  colonies  and  usually  travel 
in  large  companies.  In  expanse  of  wing  compared  to 
size  of  body  they  are  unequalled  by  any  other  bird,  and 
in  power  of  flight  they  are  only  surpassed,  possibly,  by 
the  albatrosses.  They  can  walk  only  with  difficulty  and 
are  very  poor  swimmers,  owing  to  their  small  feet  and 
long  tail,  but  they  are  complete  masters  of  the  air 
and  delight  to  soar  at  great  heights.  Their  food  of 
small  flsh  is  secured  by  plunging,  or  preying  upon 
other  sea  birds. 

Nest. — A  low,  frail  platform  of  sticks  in  the  tops  of 
bushes  or  low  trees.  They  lay  but  a  single  white  egg 
in  March  or  April;  size  2.80x1.90. 

Breeds  in  the  Bahamas,  West  Indies,  Lower  California 
and  possibly  on  some  of  the  Florida  Keys. 


ORDER    ANSERES 

AMERICAN    MERGANSER 

129.  Mergus  americanus.     25   in. 

Bill,  feet  and  eye  red  in  male,  the  former  with  a  black 
stripe  along  the  top;  plumage  black  and  white,  with  a 
greenish-black  head;  no  crest.  Female  gray  and  white, 
with  brown  head,  crested;  chin  white;  eye  yellow.  These 
birds  have  the  bill  long,  not  flattened,  but  edged  with 
sharp  teeth  to  grasp  the  fish,  upon  which  they  live  to  a 
great  extent.  They  are  exceptionally  good  swimmers 
for  members  of  this  family,  and  can  chase  and  catch 
their  fish,  using  their  wings  to  aid  their  legs  in  pro- 
pelling them  through  the  water. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees,  cavities  among  the  rocks,  or   -*| 
less  often  on  the  ground.     The  nest  is  made  of  leaves 
and   grasses   and   lined   with   downy   feathers   from   the 
breast  of  the  female.     The  6  to  9  eggs  are  creamy-buff 
(2.7x1.75)  ;  June. 

Range. — Whole  of  North  America.  Breeds  from  New 
Brunswick,  North  Dakota  and  California,  northward. 
Winters  from  the  northern  boundary  of  the  U.  S.  south 
to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 


76 


RED-BREASTED    MERGANSER 
130.  Mergus  serrator.     22  in. 

Eye,  bill  and  feet  red,  like  those  of  the  last  species, 
J  but  the  head  is  crested  on  the  male,  as  well  as  the  fe- 
male, and  a  band  across  his  breast  is  mixed  rusty  and 
black  streaks.  The  female  has  not  as  brightly  colored 
a  head  as  the  female  of  the  American  Merganser,  and 
the  throat  is  not  pure  white.  They  can  be  distinguished 
in  any  plumage,  from  the  fact  that  the  nostril  is  nearer 
the  eye  than  it  is  the  tip  of  the  bill,  while  that  of  the 
last  species  is  located  midway  between  the  eye  and  the 
tip  of  the  bill.  This  is  the  species  that  is  most  often 
found  in  salt  water.  It  is  also  found  inland  but  not 
as  commonly  as  the  last. 

Notes. — A  low  croak. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  concealed  in  tufts  of  long  grass 
or  overhanging  rocks.  Their  5  to  10  eggs  are  olive  buff 
in  color  (2.50x1.70);  June,  July. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine  and  111.,  northward;  win- 
ters throughout  the  United  States. 


HOODED    MERGANSER 
131.  Lophodytes  cucullatus.     17   in. 

Bill  short  compared  to  those  of  other  mergansers,  and 
black.  It  is  not  apt  to  be  mistaken  for  any  other  duck, 
because  of  its  small  size  and  the  large  crest  with  which 
both  sexes  are  adorned,  that  of  the  male  being  black 
with  a  large,  white  patch,  and  that  of  the  female  plain 
brown. 

The  male  has  the  power  of  raising  or  lowering  his 
crest;  when  excited  he  will  at  times  repeatedly  open 
and  shut  it  like  a  fan.  When  at  a  distance  on  the 
water,  the  male  might  possibly  be  mistaken  for  the 
Buffle-head,  as  that  species  also  has  white  on  the  head, 
but  its  back  also  is  largely  white.  Both  male  and 
female  have  yellow  eyes. 

Notes. — Low,  muttered  croakings. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees  on  the  banks  of,  or  near, 
streams  or  lakes.  The  bottom  of  the  cavity  is  lined 
with  grasses  and  down,  and  on  this  they  lay  8  to  12 
grayish  white  eggs  (2.15x1.70);  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  throughout  the  U.  S.,  but  most 
abundantly  north  of  our  borders;  winters  in  the  South. 


MALLARD 
132.  Anas  phityrliynchos.     23  in. 

Male. — Head,  green;  speculum  purplish-blue;  bill 
olive-green;  legs  orange;  eyes  brown.  The  female  most 
closely  resembles  the  Black  Duck  but  is  lighter  colored, 
more  brownish,  'and  the  speculum,  or  wing  patch,  is 
always  bordered  with  white.  This  species  is  one  of 
the  handsomest  and  most  valuable  of  ducks.  It  is  the 
cogener  of  the  domestic  ducks,  and  is  largely  used  as  a 
table  bird. 

Their  food  consists  chiefly  of  mollusks  and  tender 
grasses.  These  they  usually  get  in  shallow  water  by 
"tipping  up,"  that  is,  reaching  the  bottom  without 
going  entirely  under  water.  They  also  visit  meadows 
and  the  edges  of  grain  and  rice  fields  for  food. 

Notes. — A  nasal  "quack/'  often  rapidly  repeated  when 
they  are  feeding. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  downy  feathers,  concealed 
in  tufts  of  grass  near  the  water's  edge.  The  6  to  10 
eggs  are  buffy  or  olive-greenish  (2.25x1.65). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states 
northward;  winters  in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


BLACK    DUCK 

133.  Anas  rubripes.     22  in. 

General  plumage  mottled  blackish,  the  feathers  hav- 
ing lighter  edges;  throat,  buffy,  streaked  with  blackish; 
crown  and  line  through  eye,  nearly  solid  blackish;  specu- 
lum bluish-purple,  with  no  white;  bill  greenish-black; 
legs  brownish.  Black  Ducks  breed  locally  in  pairs, 
throughout  northern  United  States  and  southern  Can- 
ada. This  is  the  species  most  often  seen  in  New  Eng- 
land. When  in  flight,  it  can  usually  be  recognized  by 
the  dark  colored  underparts  and  the  white  lining  to  the 
wings.  Its  habits  are  just  like  those  of  the  Mallard, 
with  which  it  is  closely  related. 

Notes. — A  "  quack,"  like  that  of  the  Mallard. 

Nest. — Placed  on  the  ground,  not  far  distant  from  the 
water's  edge;  made  of  grass  and  feathers;  the  6  to  10 
eggs  are  buff-colored  (2.30x  1.70)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  N.  Y.  and  Iowa  north- 
ward; winters  south  to  the  Gulf. 


FLORIDA   DUCK 

134.  Anas  fulvigula.     21   in. 

Much  lighter  than  the  Black  Duck,  all  the  feathers 
being  broadly  margined  with  buffy;  throat  nearly  clear 
buffy  without  markings.  The  habits  of  this  species, 
which  is  restricted  to  Florida  and  the  Gulf  coast  to 
Louisiana,  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  northern  Black 
Duck. 

Notes. — Precisely  like  those  of  the  Mallard. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  down,  on  the  ground,  the  eggs 
being  like  those  of  the  Black  Duck  but  averaging  a 
trifle  smaller  (2.15x1.50);  April. 

Range. — Florida  and  the  Gulf  coast  to  La.;  resident. 
134a.,  Mottled  Duck  (A.  f.  maculosa),  is  very  similar 
to  the  Florida  species,  but  is  mottled  with  black  on  the 
belly,  instead  of  streaked.  It  is  found  on  the  coast  of 
Texas  and  north  to  Kansas. 


GADWALL 
135.  Chaulelasmus  streperus.     20  in. 

Male  with  chestnut  wing  coverts  and  white  speculum; 
lining  of  wings  white;  eyes  brown.  The  female  is  simi- 
lar, but  the  back  and  wings  are  brownish-gray  and  the 
speculum  gray  and  white.  A  rather  rare  migrant  in 
New  England,  common  in  the  Middle  States  and  abun- 
dant west  of  the  Mississippi.  They  are  usually  found 
in  meadows  and  grain  fields  bordering  marshes  or  lakes. 
As  is  usual  with  ducks,  these  do  most  of  their  feeding 
early  in  the  morning  or  after  dusk,  and  spend  the 
greater  part  of  the  day  in  sleeping.  They  are  of  the 
most  active  and  noisy  of  ducks,  which  accounts  for  their 
Latin  name  "  streperus,"  meaning  noisy. 

Notes. — A  rapid,  shrill  quacking. 

Nest. — Feather-lined  hollows  in  the  ground,  concealed 
by  patches  of  weeds  or  tall  grass.  Eggs  7  to  10,  creamy 
buff  color  (2.10x1.60);  May,  June. 

Range. — Northern  Hemisphere;  breeds  in  northern 
United  States,  except  the  eastern  portion,  and  in  Can- 
ada; winters  along  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts. 
6 


WIDGEON 

Mareca  penelope.     19  in. 

Crown  buffy;  head  reddish  brown;  wing  coverts  white; 
speculum  green.  Female  with  blackish  speculum,  and  a 
pale,  rusty  head,  neck,  breast  and  sides,  streaked  or 
barred  with  blackish.  The  Widgeon  is  an  Old  World 
duck  that  rarely,  and  accidentally,  strays  to  our  At- 
lantic or  Pacific  coasts.  It  breeds  in  America  only  in 
the  Aleutian  Islands.  Its  habits  are  the  same  as  the 
next  species,  our  American  Widgeon. 

In  the  Old  World  it  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best 
of  table  ducks.  Its  food  consists  of  marine  and  fresh- 
water insects,  small  shell-fish,  seaweed  and  grass.  Its 
nidification  is  just  like  that  of  the  Baldpate. 


BALDPATE;    AMERICAN    WIDGEON 

137.  Marcca  americana.     19  in. 

Wing  coverts  and  top  of  head  white;  rest  of  head  and 
neck  finely  specked  with  black;  speculum  and  broad 
stripe  back  of  eye,  green;  female,  similar  but  with  tho 
whole  head  specked,  and  with  no  green  on  the  ears. 
They  can  usually  be  identified  at  a  distance  by  the  ab- 
sence of  any  dark  areas,  and  when  flying  by  the  white- 
ness of  the  underparts.  Baldpates  are  common  and  well 
known  birds  throughout  North  America,  where  they  are 
called  by  a  great  variety  of  names,  most  of  which  refer 
to  the  bald  appearance  of  the  top  of  the  head,  owing  to 
the  white  feathers.  Their  food  consists  of  mollusks, 
insects,  grain,  and  tender  shoots  of  grass;  their  flesh  is, 
consequently,  very  palatable  and  they  are  much  sought 
as  table  birds. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  clear  whistle. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  feathers  from  the  breast 
of  the  female;  situated  on  the  ground  in  tall  grass  near 
the  water's  edge.  8  to  10  buff  eggs  ( 2. 15  x  1.50)  ;  June. 


GREEN-WINGED   TEAL 
139.  Nettion  carolinense.     14  in. 

Head  reddish-brown;  speculum  and  large  patch  back 
of  eye.  green;  a  white  crescent  in  front  of  wing.  Female 
with  the  head  arid  neck  whitish,  finely  streaked  with 
dusky;  wings  as  in  male.  These  ducks  are  abundant  in 
most  parts  of  the  United  States,  but  are  rather  uncom- 
mon in  Xew  England.  They  are  usually  seen  in  flocks 
of  ten  or  a  dozen,  and  often  a  single  bird,  or  two  or 
three,  may  be  found  with  a  flock  of  Mallards.  They 
frequent  ponds,  marshes  and  rush-grown  shores  of  creeks, 
rivers  or  lakes,  feeding  upon  shellfish,  insects,  aquatic 
plants  and  seeds. 

Notes. — Shrill,  piping  whistles,  rapidly  repeated. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  under  the  shelter  of  tall  grass; 
it  is  made  of  weeds  and  grass,  and  lined  with  feathers. 
They  lay  from  5  to  9  eggs,  buffy  (1.85x1.25);  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states  north- 
ward; winters  from  Va.,  111.  and  British  Columbia, 
southward. 


BLUE-WINGED    TEAL 

140.  Querquedula  discors.     15.5  in. 

Male. — Head  gray,  with  a  white  crescent  in  front  of 
the  eye;  underparts  buffy,  heavily  spotted  with  black; 
wing  coverts  blue;  speculum  green.  Female  similar  to 
the  female  Green-winged  Teal,  but  with  blue  wing  cov 
erts.  Teal  can  easily  be  distinguished  from  other  ducks 


of  other  ducks  because  of  the  much  smaller  size  of  the 
Teal.  They  usually  fly  in  compact  lines  and  when  ready 
to  alight,  do  so  very  precipitously. 

Notes. — A  weak,  but  rapidly  uttered  quacking. 

Nest. — Made  of  weeds,  placed  in  tall  grass  bordering 
marshes  or  ponds.  6  to  10  buffy  eggs  are  laid  during 
May  or  June.  (1.90x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  Ohio  and  Kansas  north- 
ward; winters  in  the  lower  half  of  eastern  United 
States. 


CINNAMON   TEAL 
141.  Querquedula  cyanoptera.     16  in. 

Male  with  the  whole  head,  neck  and  underparts  bright 
cinnamon;  wings  as  in  the  Blue-winged  species.  Female 
similar  to  the  female  Blue-wing,  but  more  rusty  below, 
and  the  throat  is  tinted  or  quite  dark,  while  that  of 
the  last  species  is  usually  light.  These  beautiful  birds 
are  very  abundant  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  but 
are  of  only  casual  or  accidental  occurrence  east  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley  and  sometimes  Southern  Florida. 
Their  favorite  nesting  places  are  in  fields  of  tall  grass 
cr  clover,  in  close  proximity  to  marshes  or  ponds. 

Nest. — Compactly  woven  of  grasses  and  lined  with 
down;  they  lay  from  eight  to  as  many  as  thirteen  buffy 
white  eggs,  size  1.85x1.35;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Western  United  States  and  British 
Columbia.  Occurs  rarely  in  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
Southern  Texas  and  Florida. 


SHOVELLER 

142.  Spatula  clypeata.     20  in. 

Bill  long,  and  much  broader  at  the  tip  than  at  the 
base;  head  and  speculum  green;  belly  reddish-brown; 
breast  and  back,  white;  wing  coverts,  pale  blue;  eye 
yellow;  feet  orange.  Female  with  head,  neck  and  under- 
parts,  brownish-yellow,  specked  or  streaked  with  dusky; 
wings  as  in  the  male,  but  not  as  brightly  colored. 
Easily  recognized  in  any  plumage  by  the  large,  broad 
bill.  If  it  were  not  for  this  large  and  ungainly  shaped 
bill,  this  species  might  be  classed  as  one  of  our  most 
beautiful  ducks,  when  in  full  plumage,  which  is  only 
during  the  breeding  season;  at  other  seasons  the  head 
of  the  male  is  largely  mixed  with  blackish. 

Nest. — Of  fine  grasses  and  weeds,  lined  with  feathers; 
they  lay  6  to  10  grayish  eggs  (2.10x1.50);  May. 

Range. — Whole  of  the  northern  hemisphere.  Breeds 
in  America,  from  Minnesota  and  Dakota  northwards, 
and  locally  farther  south;  winters  on  the  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts;  rare  during  migrations  on  the  North 
Atlantic  coast. 


PINTAIL 
143.  Dafila  acuta.     22  in. 

Tail  pointed,  and,  in  the  male,  with  the  two  central 
feathers  considerably  lengthened;  neck  unusually  long 
and  slender  for  a  duck;  form  more  slender  than  that 
of  other  ducks.  Male  with  brownish  head  and  stripe 
down  back  of  neck;  back  and  sides  barred  with  black 
and  white;  speculum  green,  bordered  with  white  or  buff. 
Female  mottled  brownish,  buffy  and  black,  but  to  be 
known  by  the  sharply  pointed  tail  feathers  and  long 
neck;  speculum  brownish.  These  ducks  are  strong  swim- 
mers and  good  fliers,  but  poor  divers;  they  get  their 
food  the  same  as  does  the  Mallard  by  "  tipping  up," 
their  long  neck  enabling  them  to  feed  in  comparatively 
deep  water.  They  are  quite  timid  and  lurk  in  the  tall 
grass  of  the  marshes  during  the  daytime,  feeding  chiefly 
after  dark. 

Notes. — Quacks  like  those  of  the  Mallard. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  and  like  that  of  other  ducks, 
well  lined  with  feathers;  6  to  12  eggs  (2.20x1.50). 

Range. — Breeds  from  111.  and  Iowa  northward;  win- 
ters in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


WOOD    DUCK 
144.  Aix  sponsa.     19  in. 

Head  crested  in  both  sexes,  the  feathers  being  espe- 
cially lengthened  on  the  nape.  No  other  American  duck 
that  can  possibly  be  mistaken  for  them.  The  male 
Wood  Duck  is  the  most  beautiful  of  the  family,  in  this 
or  any  other  country,  its  cnly  rival  being  the  gaily  col- 
ored Mandarin,  of  China.  In  summer,  they  may  be 
found  about  the  edges  of  clear  ponds  or  lakes,  especially 
those  located  in  woods  remote  from  human  habitations. 
They  are  very  local  in  their  distribution  and  only  one 
or  two  pairs  will  be  found  in  a  locality.  In  most  parts 
of  their  range  they  are  rapidly  diminishing  in  numbers. 

Notes. — A  soft  whistled  "  peet,  peet "  and  a  squawky, 
danger-note  like  "  hoo-eek,  hoo-eek." 

Nest. — In  the  hollow  of  a  tree  usually  near  the  water's 
edge.  The  bottom  is  lined  with  soft  downy  feathers, 
and  8  to  15  buffy  eggs  are  laid  (2.00x1.50). 

Range. — Whole  of  the  United  States  and  southern 
Canada,  breeding  locally  throughout  the  range.  Win- 
ters in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


90 


REDHEAD 
146.  Marila  americana.     19  in. 

Note  the  shape  of  the  bill  of  this  species,  as  compared 
to  that  of  the  similarly  colored  Canvas-back.  The  male 
Redhead  has  a  bluish  bill  with  a  black  tip,  and  his  back 
is  much  darker  than  that  of  the  Canvas-back;  eye  yel- 
low. The  female  has  the  throat  white  and  the  back 
plain  grayish-brown,  without  bars.  Redheads  dive  and 
swim  with  great  agility;  they  feed  largely  upon  water 
plants  and  mollusks  which  they  get  from  the  bottom  of 
ponds,  or  along  the  seashore.  They  breed  very  abun- 
dantly in  the  ploughs  of  the  prairies  in  the  Northwest. 

Notes. — A  hollow,  rapid  croaking. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  lined  with  feathers,  in  marshes. 
Their  6  to  12  eggs  are  buffy  white  (2.40x1.70);  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  in  the  interior,  from  Minnesota 
and  Dakota  northward,  and  to  a  lesser  degree  north 
from  Maine.  Winters  in  southern  part  of  the  U.  S. 


CANVAS-BACK 

147.  Marila  vallisneria.     21  in. 

Differs  from  the  Redhead  in  the  shape  of  its  black 
bill,  its  blackish  forehead,  very  light  back  and  red  eyes. 
The  female  has  the  back  grayish-brown,  finely  barred 
with  black.  Like  the  last  species,  Canvas-backs  are 
excellent  swimmers  and  divers,  and  can  secure  their 
food  from  a  considerable  depth.  In  winter  they  are 
found  in  great  abundance  on  the  Atlantic  coast  from 
Maryland  southward,  and  are  one  of  the  most  persist- 
ently hunted  birds,  for  their  flesh  is  much  esteemed, 
and  they  have  a  high  market  value.  They  are  seen  in 
large  flocks,  and  are  difficult  to  approach,  but  are  said 
to  decoy  as  easily  as  any  other. 

Notes. — Harsh  croaks,  little  different  from  those  of 
the  Redhead. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  marshes  or  sloughs,  the 
hollow  being  lined  with  grasses  and  feathers  from  the 
breast  of  the  female;  6  to  10  eggs  (2.40x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Minnesota  and 
Dakota  northward;  winters  from  Maryland  and  British 
Columbia  southward.  Rare  in  New  England. 


AMERICAN    SCAUP    DUCK 

148.  Marila  marila.     18  in. 

Head  black,  glossed  with  greenish;  speculum  white; 
bill  dull  bluish;  eye  yellow.  Female  resembles  that  of 
the  Redhead,  but  has  a  white  speculum.  These  ducks 
are  perhaps  better  known  as  Blue-bills,  than  as  Scaup 
Ducks.  They  are  one  of  the  most  abundant  migrants 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  are  one  of  the  most  active  of 
the  family,  diving  at  the  flash  of  a  gun. 

Notes. — A  peculiar  grunting  quack. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  feathers  on  the  ground  in 
marshes. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Minnesota  and  Dakota  itorth- 
ward.  Winters  south  of  New  England. 

LESSER    SCAUP    DUCK 

149.  Marila  affinis.     17   in. 

Slightly  smaller  than  the  last,  and  with  the  head  of 
the  male  glossed  purple  instead  of  green. 

Range. — Breeding  range  same  as  that  of  the  last; 
winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


RING-NECKED    DUCK 

150.  Marila  collaris.     17   in. 

Male  with  a  narrow  chestnut  neck  ring;  head  glossed 
with  purple ;  back  black ;  chin  white ;  bill  blackish,  with 
a  bluish  band  near  the  end;  eye  yellow.  Female  with 
white  cheeks,  eye  ring  and  region  about  the  base  of  the 
bill;  otherwise  similar  to  the  female  of  the  Redhead, 
but  smaller. 

These  ducks  are  usually  met  in  flocks  of  from  one 
to  three  dozen,  the  same  as  the  preceding  two  black- 
headed  ducks.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid,  and  they  are 
equally  agile  when  in  the  water.  They  are  seen  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  only  in  winter,  and  remain  just  as 
far  north  as  the  water  remains  open. 

Notes. — A  low  grunting  "quanck." 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  feathers  in  marshes  and  on 
bogs.  The  6  to  10  eggs  are  grayish-white  (2.25x1.60)  ; 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Minnesota  north- 
wards; winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


BUFFLE-HEAD 
153.  Charitonetta  albeola.     14  in. 

Head  iridescent  with  green,  purple  and  blue,  and  with 
a  large  white  patch  extending  from  eye  to  eye,  across 
the  back  of  the  puffy  crest.  Female  with  a  white  patch 
on  either  side  of  her  brownish  head;  speculum  white. 
They  are  known  by  a  great  variety  of  names  such  as 
"  Butter  Ball,"  "  Spirit  Duck,"  "  Dipper,"  etc.,  the  ma- 
jority of  which  refer  to  the  celerity  with  which  they 
can  disappear  under  the  water.  They  are  always  on 
the  alert  and  will  dive  at  the  flash  of  i  gun.  They  are 
able  to  continue  incessant  diving  for  a  long  period  and 
can  remain  under  water  for  a  long  time.  Their  flight  is 
vary  rapid,  and  when  alighting  in  the  water  they  make 
considerable  splash,  but  can  take  wing  from  it  easier 
than  the  majority  of  ducks. 

Notes. — A  single  guttural  croak. 

Nest. — In  hollow  trees;  eggs  greenish  gray  (2.00x 
1.40)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
IT.  S.  northward;  winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 


AMERICAN   GOLDEN-EYE 

151.  Clangula  clangula  americana.     20  in. 

Head  puffy,  or  slightly  crested.  Male  with  greenish 
head  and  a  round  white  spot  between  bill  and  eye. 
Female  with  a  brownish  head  and  white  speculum. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  croak,  rarely  uttered. 

Nest. — Tn  cavities  of  hollow  trees  near  ponds  or  on 
the  banks  of  streams.  0  to  10  grayish  green  eggs  (?.30x 
1.70)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  parts  of  the  north- 
ern tier  of  states,  northward;  winters  throughout  the 
U.  S. 

BARROW    GOLDEN-EYE 
152.  Clangula  islandica.     20  in. 

Head  bluish  with  a  white  crescent  at  base  of  bill; 
eye  bright  yellow  in  both  this  and  the  last  species; 
female  practically  indistinguishable  from  the  preceding, 
although  the  bill  of  the  present  species  is  shorter  and 
comparatively  higher  at  the  base. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Northern  U.  S.  north  to  Labra- 
dor and  Alaska,  and  in  the  Rockies,  south  to  Colorado; 
winters  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


OLD    SQUAW;    LONG-TAILED    DUCK 

154.  Harelda   hyemalis.  3    21;     §     16   in. 

This  species  is  one  of  the  very  few  ducks  that  change 
their  plumages  in  summer  and  winter.  The  female  is 
marked  similarly  to  the  male  but  is  very  much  duller 
colored,  and  lacks  the  long  tail  feathers  with  whicli 
the  male  is  adorned.  They  are  sea  ducks  and,  while 
they  are  usually  found  to  some  extent  on  some  of  the 
larger  lakes  or  ponds,  during  migrations,  they  are  very 
abundant  on  the.  Atlantic  coast.  They  are  "excellent 
swimmers  and  dive  to  great  depths  in  search  of  food. 
It  is  said  (Nelson)  that  in  their  summer  home,  during 
the  mating  season,  they  frequently  dive  under  the  water 
from  the  air,  a  habit  that  none  of  the  other  ducks,  ex- 
cept rarely  the  Pintail,  indulge  in. 

Notes. — A  confused,  but  rather  musical  gabbling. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  near  water;  thickly  lined  with 
downy  feathers;  eggs  laid  in  June. 

Raage. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Alaska  north- 
ward; winters  south  to  Long  Island  Sound  and  t,he 
upper  Mississippi  Valley. 


HARLEQUIN    DUCK 

155.  Hlstrionicus  histrionicus.     17  in. 

Male  very  oddly  and  handsomely  marked,  as  shown; 
female  blackish-brown,  lighter  below  and  with  a  whitish 
spot  before  and  one  behind  each  eye.  During  the  win- 
ter, they  are  seen  in  flocks  off  the  coast,  from  Maine 
and  sometimes  from  Long  Island  Sound  northward.  In 
summer,  they  are  usually  found  only  in  pairs  along 
rivers  or  creeks,  and  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  they  fre- 
quent the  turbulent  streams  that  are  the  homes  of  the 
Water  Ouzel.  When  swimming,  Harlequins  sit  high  in. 
the  water,  but  they  are  able  to  get  under  the  surface 
with  the  greatest  of  speed. 

Notes. — A  rapidly  uttered,  clattering  whistle. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  in  crevices  under  rocks,  the 
hollow  being  well  lined  with  down;  also  said  to  nest 
in  hollow  trees;  their  5  to  8  eggs  are  greenish-buff  and 
measure  2.30x1.60;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  New  Brunswick  north  and  north- 
west to  Alaska  and  the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  south  in  the 
Rockies  to  Colorado;  winters  south  to  the  Middle  States 
and  Calif. 


97 


LABRADOR    DbCK 
156.  Camptorhynchus  labradorius.     20  in. 

Male  with  the  head,  breast  and  wings,  white;  narrow 
stripe  over  the  top  of  the  head  and  down  the  back  of 
the  neck,  ring  around  the  neck,  back,  primaries  and 
entire  underparts,  black.  Female  mottled  brownish-gray 
and  blackish,  with  white  speculum. 

Labrador  Ducks  were  never  very  abundant  within  the 
memory  of  any  living  person,  but  they  were  occasion- 
ally shot  and  were  found  sometimes  in  the  New  York 
markets.  At  that  time  little  heed  was  paid  to  them 
and  they  became  extinct  before  anyone  realized  the 
fact.  Their  record  has  been  traced  down  to  1875,  since 
1  which  time  none  have  been  taken.  As  far  as  known 
there  are  but  38  or  40  of  them  preserved.  They  were 
formerly  found  from  Long  Island  Sound  north  to  Lab- 
rador. 


159. 


NORTHERN    EIDER 

Somateria  mollissima  borealis.     23  in. 


Base  of  bill  extends  on  either  side  of  forehead  in  a 
point,  a  mark  that  will  distinguish  it  from  the  next 
and  very  similar  species,  in  any  plumage.  The  female 
Eider  presents  a  most  remarkable  difference  in  plumage 
from  that  of  the  male,  and,  unlike  the  females  of  most 
species,  is  a  very  handsome  bird. 

Nest.  —  Of  grasses  lined  with  down;  concealed  in  tall 
grass  or  under  bushes;  the  6  to  10  eggs  are  greenish- 
drab  (3.00x2.00);  May,  June. 

Range.  —  Breeds  on  Labrador  and  Greenland  coasts. 

AMERICAN    EIDER 
160.  Somateria  dresseri.     23  in. 

This  is  the  Eider  that  is  usually  seen  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  and  is  the  only  one  that  breeds  south  of  Labra- 
dor. The  base  of  the  bill,  that  encroaches  on  either  side 
of  the  forehead  is  rounded,  and  broader  than  that  of 
the  last.  They  nest  from  Maine  (rarely)  northward, 
and  winter  south  to  Long  Island. 


100 


KING    EIDER 
162.  Somateria  spectabilis.     23   in. 

The  feathers  of  the  sides  of  the  bill  of  this  specie- 
do  not  reach  to  the  nostril,  while  in  the  two  preceding 
ones,  they  do.  This  is  the  chief  point  of  differenee  in 
distinguishing  the  females,  which  very  closely  resemble 
each  other.  Adult  males,  as  can  l>e  seen,  are  very  dif- 
ferent from  the  other  Eiders.  As  is  usual  with  the 
Eiders,  the  male  of  this  species  moirtts  to  a  plumage 
resembling  that  of  the  female,  during  the  late  summer, 
when  he  has  shed  his  wing  feathers  and  is.  for  a  period 
flightless,  This  is  a  part  of  Nature's  plan  to  give  her 
feathered  children  protection  when  they  most  need  it. 
While  the  females  are  sitting  upon  the  eggs,  they  are 
deserted  by  the  males,  which  congregate  in  large  flocks, 
and  drift  aimlessly  about  until  joined  by  the  females 
in  Fall. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  feath- 
ers. Eggs  like  those  of  the  last  species. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Labrador  and  the  Aleu- 
tian Islands,  Alaska,  northward;  winters  south  to  Maine 
and  casually  to  Long  Island  Sound. 


AMERICAN    SCOTER 

163.  Oidemia  americana.     19  in. 

Adult  male,  entirely  black;  bill  black  with  enlarged 
base  yellow;  eye  brown.  Female  plain  brownish-black, 
lighter  below.  All  the  Scoters  are  better  known  to 
sportsmen  as  "  coots,"  this  species  being  the  Butter- 
billed  Coot,  while  the  female  is  the  Gray  Coot. 

Notes. — A  long  musical  whistle.     (Elliott). 

Nest. — On  the  ground  usually  well  concealed.  Their 
6  to  10  eggs  are  a  creamy  buff  color  (2.50x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward.  Winters 
south»to  the  Middle  States  and  Lake  States. 

WHITE-WINGED    SCOTER 

165.  Oidemia  deglandi.     22  in. 

This  species  is  the  most  abundant  of  the  Scoters  win- 
tering off  the  New  England  coast,  where  they  congregate 
in  immense  "  rafts,"  floating  off  shore. 

Nest. — Concealed  in  long  grass,  lined  with  feathers; 
5  to  8  buffy  eggs  (2.75x  1.85)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  North  Dakota  and  Newfound 
land  northward;  winters  in  the  northern  half  of  U.  S. 


SURF    SCOTER 
166.  Oidemia  perspicillata.     20  in. 

Male  black  with  a  white  patch  on  top  of  the  head 
and  another  on  the  nape;  eye  white;  bill  red,  white  and 
yellow,  with  a  large  black  spot  near  the  base.  Female 
a  uniform  grayish  brown,  lighter  below,  with  a  whitish 
patch  in  front  of  each  eye;  young  birds  are  like  the 
female  but  also  have  a  white  patch  back  of  the  eye. 
That  they  are  very  abundant  *is  apparent  from  the  size 
of  a  single  flock  seen  by  Nelson  about  10  miles  out  to 
sea  from  St.  Michaels,  Alaska;  it  formed  a  continuous 
band  for  about  10  miles  in  length  and  from  a  half  to 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  width.  All  the  "  Coots " 
have  heavy  bodies,  making  it  rather  difficult  for  them 
to  rise  from  the  water,  along  which  they  run  for  a  few 
yards  before  springing  into  the  air. 

Nest. — A  feather  lined  hollow  on  the  ground,  like  that 
of  other  ducks;  eggs  creamy  buff  (2.40x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Newfoundland,  Manitoba,  and 
British  Columbia  northward;  winters  south  to  Virginia, 
Ohio  and  California. 


RUDDY    DUCK 

167.  Erismatura  jamaicensis.     15   in. 

Bill  short,  broad,  with  an  upturned  appearance;  tail 
feathers  very  narrow,  stiff  and  pointed.  Male  in  sum- 
mer, with  black  crown,  whitish  cheeks,  throat  and  belly, 
and  reddish-brown  back,  breast  and  sides.  In  winter, 
the  cheeks  are  duller  colored  and  the  back  mixed  with 
grayish.  Female  with  crown,  back  and  sides  grayish; 
cheeks  showing  traces  of  white  as  on  the  male.  These 
ducks  are  very  sprightly,  either  in  the  water,  on  land, 
or  a-wing.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid,  their  stiff,  short 
wings  producing  a  buzzing  sound  that  gives  them  the 
local  name  of  Bumble  Bee  Coot.  They  have  a  great 
variety  of  names  referring  to  some  character  of  their 
form,  such  as  Broad-bill  Dipper,  Bull-neck,  Bristle- 
tail,  etc. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  or  rushes,  lined  with  down,  placed 
in  tall  grass  near  the  water  or  in  clumps  of  rushes 
growing  out  of  the  water ;  6  to  12  grayish  eggs  ( 2.40  x 
1.75),  very  large  for  the  size  of  the  bird;  June.  ,' ' 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  northern  U.  S.  and 
in  Canada;  winters  in  southern  United  States. 


LESSER   SNOW    GOOSE 
169.  Chen  hypeboreus.    25  in. 

Plumage  entirely  white:  ends  of  primaries  black;  top 
and  back  of  head  sometimes  tinged  with  rusty;  bill  and 
feet  red;  eye  brown.  This  variety  is  like  the  next,  which 
is  the  bird  commonly  seen  in  the  East,  although  the 
Lesser  Goose  is  found  east  to  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

GREATER    SNOW    GOOSE 
169a.  C.  h.  nivalis.     33  in. 

Snow  Geese  travel  in  large  flocks,  the  same  as  do  the 
Canada  Geese,  led  by  an  old  male  that  has  traveled  the 
airy  road  many  times  before.  At  times,  flocks  are  seen 
on  the  prairies,  so  large  that  they  give  the  ground  the 
appearance  of  being  covered  with  snow.  They  are  very 
wary  and  will  all  take  flight  at  the  first  alarm. 

Notes. — Usually  silent,  but  they  sometimes  "  honk." 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  sometimes,  but  not  always,  lined 
with  down;  5  to  8  buffy  white  eggs  (3.40x2.40*)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  on  the 
South  Atlantic  coast. 


BLUE    GOOSE 

169.1.  Chen  ccerulescens.     28  in. 

Head  and  neck  white,  often  tinged  with  rusty  on  the 
face;  underparts  brownish-gray.  Young  birds  are  simi- 
lar but  the  head  is  brownish;  bill  and  feet  reddish; 
eye  brown.  This  handsome  goose  is  found  only  in  the 
interior,  but  a  few  accidental  birds  have  been  taken  on 
the  Atlantic  and  two  on  the  Pacific  coasts.  While  it 
is  not  an  abundant  species,  flocks  of  twenty  or  thirty  are 
often  seen  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  They  are  some- 
times seen  with  Snow  Geese,  but  for  the  most  part  keep 
by  themselves.  On  their  march  to  their  breeding  grounds 
they  branch  off  from  the  routes  chosen  by  the  Snow  Geese, 
and  turn  to  the  eastward,  breeding  east  of  Hudson  Bay, 
while  the  white  geese  are  found  chiefly  to  the  westward. 

Nest. — A  glass-lined  depression  on  the  ground;  eggs 
deep  buff  color  (2.50x1.75);  June. 


Range. — Breeds 
.abrador ;    winter 
Mexico,  migrating  through  the  Mississippi  Valley. 


the   Hudson    Bay   region    and    ia 
Labrador;    winters   on   the   west   coast  of   the   Gulf  6r 


AMERICAN    WHITE-FRONTED    GOOSE 
171a.  Anser  albifrons  gambeli.     28  in. 

Forehead,  white;  head  and  neck  gray;  under  parts 
mixed  black  and  white;  feet  yellow;  bill  pinkish;  eye 
brown.  These  geese  reach  the  U.  S.  on  their  return  from 
the  Arctic  regions  about  the  first  of  October;  they  are 
very  abundant  on  the  Pacific  coast  and  fairly  common 
in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  but  are  rare  on  the  Atlantic 
coast.  They  are  very  noisy  birds  and  in  some  sections 
of  the  country  are  known  as  Laughing  Geese.  From 
being  shot  at  so  frequently,  they  are  very  wild  and 
difficult  to  approach,  sentinels  being  stationed  to  give 
alarm  if  danger  approaches,  when  they  are  feeding. 

Notes. — A  confused  honking,  likened  to  laughter. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  on  the  ground,  usually  in  marshes; 
nearly  always  lined  with  down  from  the  breast  of  the 
female.  The  four  to  nine  eggs  are  buffy  (3.00x2.05); 
May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions,  chiefly  west  of 
Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  to  the  Gulf  coast  and  Calif.; 
rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


CANADA   GOOSE 
172.  Branta  canadensis.     38  in. 

The  best  known  and  most  widely  distributed  of  our 
geese.  In  the  northern  states  they  are  always  eagerly 
looked  for  in  the  Spring,  for  theii  arrival  is  a  sure 
indication  that  the  backbone  of  Winter  has  broken. 
Their  familiar  honking  is  heard  long  before  the  thin, 
wavering,  black,  V-shaped  line  appears  on  the  horizon; 
as  it  draws  nearer,  the  volume  of  sound  increases,  re- 
sembling the  baying  of  a  pack  of  hounds,  and  at  last, 
the  flock  sweeps  overhead  with  deafening  cries;  large 
birds,  with  long  necks  fully  outstretched,  wings  beating 
the  air  in  unison,  and  all  following  the  leadership  of 
one  bird  in  their  journey  over  their  invisible  path. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  feathers,  on  marshes  or  near 
ponds;  4  to  9  buffy  drab  eggs  (3.50x2.50)  ;  May,  June, 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador,  Dakota,  and  British 
Columbia  northward;  winters  in  Southern  U.  S.  172a. 
Hutchins  Goose  (B.  c.  hutchinsii)  is  smaller  (31  in.) 
and  found  in  Western  N.  A.,  casually  east  of  the  Miss. 
172c.  Cackling  Goose  (B.  c.  minima)  is  still  smaller 
(24  in.)  ;  is  found  in  the  same  range. 


108 


BRANT 
173a.  Branta  bernicla  glaucogastra.     26  in. 

Head,  back  and  breast  black,  sharply  defined  against 
the  grayish-white  of  the  underparts;  a  whitish  patch 
on  either  side  of  the  neck.  They  are  very  abundant  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  in  winter,  and  when  not  too  per- 
sistently hunted  are  unsuspicious;  they  do  not  fly  in 
regular  formation  like  the  Canada  geese,  nor  do  they 
appear  to  have  any  special  leader.  They  are  inquisitive 
and  easily  decoyed,  and  consequently  large  numbers  of 
them  are  shot  annually.  They  are  noisy,  their  notes 
being  a  peculiar,  guttural  "  car-r-r-rup "  or  "  r-r-rup." 
and  when  in  the  presence  of  a  large  flock,  the  sound  is 
deafening.  (Elliott). 

They  feed  upon  tender  water  plants  and  roots,  which 
they  get  from  the  bottom  by  tipping  up,  and  not  by 
diving. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grass 
and  feathers;  eggs  grayish-buff  (2.80x1.75);  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  and  less  often  in  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
from  Mass,  and  111.  southward. 


BLACK-BELLIED    TREE    DUCK 
177.  Dendrocyyna  aututiinalis.     22  in. 

Legs  and  neck  long;  bill  and  feet  pinkish;  eye  brown; 
head  and  neck  chiefly  gray;  breast  and  back  brownish; 
belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  black;  wing-coverts  white 
and  gray.  These  peculiar  shaped  ducks  are  not  rare  in 
certain  localities  along  the  Rio  Grande  in  Southern 
Texas,  and  are  abundant  in  Mexico  and  Central  Amer- 
ica. They  are  not  timid  and  are  frequently  caught  and 
domesticated.  They  can  walk  and  run  gracefully,  and 
often  feed  in  grain  fields  at  considerable  distance  from 
water;  they  also  eat  shoots  and  seeds  of  aquatic  plants. 
Like  the  Wood  Duck,  they  nest  in  hollow  trees,  often 
at  some  distance  from  water,  and,  as  soon  as  the  young 
appear,  help  them  to  the  ground  and  lead  them  to  the 
water. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest. — Usually  lined  with  down,  in  cavities  of  hollow 
trees;  the  6  to  15  eggs  are  pure  white  (2.05x1.50); 
May. 

Range. — Found  in  the  United  States  only  in  the 
Southern  part  of  Texas. 


109 


110 


FULVOUS   TREE   DUCK 
178.  Dendrocygna  bicolor.     22  in. 

Form  like  that  of  the  last,  but  with  the  head,  neck, 
rump  and  underparts  rusty,  and  with  no  white  in  the 
wings.  The  Fulvous  Duck  is  much  more  abundant  in 
the  United  States  than  the  Black-bellied,  and  is  casually 
found  as  far  north  as  Kansas  and  Nevada,  while  it  is 
regularly  found  in  Texas  and  Louisiana,  where  it  is 
known  as  the  Long-legged  Duck.  Owing  to  the  nature 
of  its  diet,  which  consists  chiefly  of  grain,  roots  and 
water  plants,  the  flesh  of  this  bird  is  esteemed  as  an 
article  of  food,  and  many  are  killed  for  such.  When 
wounded,  they  are  said  to  be  difficult  to  capture,  owing 
to  the  speed  at  which  they  can  run;  they  also  swim 
and  dive  well. 

Nest. — Located  in  the  hollow  of  a  tree,  the  bottom  of 
the  cavity  usually  being  lined  with  feathers.  They  lay 
from  ten  to  fifteen  pure  white  eggs,  and  as  many  as 
thirty-two  have  been  found  in  one  nest,  but  these  were 
probably  laid  by  two  or  more  females;  May. 

Range. — Texas  and  Louisiana,  and  north  casually  to 
Kansas  and  Nevada.  Winters  in  Mexico. 


WHISTLING    SWAN 

180.  Olor  columbianus.     54  in. 

Nostril  situated  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  eye 
than  it  is  from  the  end  of  the  bill;  a  small  yellow  spot 
on  the  bare  space  in  front  of  the  eye;  plumage  entirely 
white;  bill  and  legs  black.  This  is  the  swan  that  is 
found  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  is  most  abundant  in 
the  Miss.  Valley.  It  is  rare  north  of  Chesapeake  Bay, 
but  it  is  abundant  from  there  southward,  in  winter. 
They  make  a  beautiful  sight  against  the  blue  sky,  their 
immense  white  wings  slowly  fanning  the  air  and  their 
long  necks  extended. 

Notes. — A  peculiar,  flageolet-like  "  Who,  who,  who." 
(Elliott). 

Nest. — A  mass  of  weeds,  grass  and  feathers  on  the 
ground;  3  to  6  greenish  buff  eggs  (4.00x2.75). 

Range. — Breeds  within  the  Arctic  Circle;  winters 
south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  rare  north  of  Va.  on  the 
Atlantic.  181.  TRUMPETER  SWAN  (Olor  lucinator) 
is  larger  (65  in.)  and  is  found  west  of  the  Miss.  It 
breeds  from  la.,  northwards.  Nostril  midway  between 
eye  and  tip  of  bill. 


112 


ORDER    ODONTOGLOSSJE 

FLAMINGOES— Family  Phoenicopteridae 

FLAMINGO 

182.  Phcemcopterus  ruber.     46  in. 

These  large,  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  Southern 
Florida,  and  casually  north  to  South  Carolina,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  they  breed  within  our  limits.  They  fly  with 
their  long  neck  fully  extended  and  legs  trailing  behind, 
a  remarkable  sight  when  a  flock  of  several  thousand  is 
seen  in  flight.  In  1904,  Mr.  F.  M.  Chapman  visited  a 
large  breeding  colony  in  the  Bahamas,  photographing 
the  birds  in  every  conceivable  position.  Their  nests  are 
mud-built  structures,  about  a  foot  high,  placed  close 
together  in  the  marshy  interior  of  low  lying  islands, 
or  on  sandbars.  The  top  is  slightly  hollowed  out  to 
receive  the  single  egg  (3.40x2.15),  which  is  covered 
with  a  chalky  deposit.  They  sit  astride  the  nest  with 
their  legs  doubled  under  them. 

Notes. — A  honking  like  that  of  Canada  Geese. 

Range. — Resident  in  the  Bahamas  and  West  Indies: 
north  to  Florida. 


HERONS,    STORKS,    IBISES— Order    Herodiones 

Family  Plataleidae 
ROSEATE   SPOONBILL 

183.  Ajaia  ajaja.    33  in. 

Head  entirely  bald  in  adults,  and  only  feathered  to 
the  eyes  in  young  birds;  bill  long,  thin,  flat  and  very 
much  broadened  at  the  end,  variously  colored  with 
green,  blue  and  orange;  eyes  and  legs  red.  Young  birds, 
without  the  bright  carmine  shoulders  or  saffron  tail  of 
the  adults.  These  peculiar  but  handsomely  tinted  birds 
were  formerly  abundant  in  Florida  and  in  the  adjoin- 
ing states,  but  so  many  have  been  killed  for  their  feath- 
ers, that  they  are  now  rare  and  confined  to  the  most 
inaccessible  swamps  of  Southern  Florida.  Spoonbills 
travel  and  nest  in  communities;  their  flight  is  strong 
and  Heron-like,  but  they  carry  their  neck  fully  extended, 
their  ample  wings  slowly  beating  the  air. 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  sticks,  in  mangroves  or 
low  trees;  3  or  4  pale,  greenish  blue  eggs  splashed  with 
brown  (2.50x  1.70)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Florida  and  the  Gulf  States,   and  Southern 
Texas. 
8 


IBISES— Family  Ibididae 
WHITE   IBIS 

184.  Guara  alba.     25  in. 

Tips  of  primaries  black;  plumage,  otherwise,  entirely 
white;  bill,  face  and  legs,  orange  red  or  carmine.  Young 
with  head  and  neck,  and  more  or  less  of  the  body, 
brownish  or  streaked  with  brown.  White  Ibises  are 
very  abundant  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States, 
breeding  in  immense  rookeries  in  remote  swamps,  plac- 
ing their  frail  platforms  in  bushes  over  the  water  or 
sometimes  weaving  nests  out  of  rushes,  attached  to  up- 
right canes  and  brake.  These  rookeries  are  very  untidy 
and  offensive  to  human  beings,  and  millions  and  millions 
of  black  flies  and  mosquitoes  will  be  encountered  by  any 
who  wish  to  investigate  the  breeding  places  of  these 
birds. 

Notes. — A  loud,  harsh  croak. 

Nest. — Of  twigs  in  bushes,  or  of  rushes  in  the  tangle 
and  brake  of  marshes;  3  or  4  whitish  eggs,  handsomely 
spotted  and  splashed  with  brownish. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina  and  Southern 
111.  Winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


SCARLET    IBIS 
185.  Guard  rubra.     25  in. 

This  beautiful  species  is  wholly  bright  scarlet,  except 
for  the  black  primaries;  young  birds  are  found  in  all 
stages  of  plumage  from  the  brownish-gray  and  white  of 
the  first  year  birds,  to  the  full  plumage  of  the  adults. 

This  is  a  tropical  ibis  that  abounds  in  northern  South 
America,  but  is  yearly  decreasing  in  numbers,  owing 
to  the  persistency  with  which  they  are  hunted,  their 
feathers  being  much  in  demand  for  tying  trout  flies,  as 
well  as  for  decorating  hats,  a  barbarous  practice  that 
is  being  stopped  in  this  country,  by  legislation  and 
public  sentiment. 

Nest. — In  rushes  or  mangroves  like  that  of  the  last 
species;  the  eggs  are  the  same  size  but  average  brighter 
in  color  (2.25x1.60). 

Range. — Northern  South  America,  casually  north  to 
the  Gulf  States,  but  has  not  been  reported  for  years 
in  our  country. 


GLOSSY    IBIS 

186.  Plegadis  autumnaJis.     25  in. 

Like  the  next,  which  is  our  common  species,  but  with 
the  feathers  about  the  face  not  white,  as  in  that  species. 

Range. — Tropical  America,  casually  north  to  south- 
eastern United  States. 

WHITE-FACED    GLOSSY    IBIS 

187.  Plegadis  guarauna.     24  in. 

Bill,  face  and  legs,  carmine  red;  feathers  bordering 
the  face,  white;  wings  and  tail  glossy  greenish-black; 
rest  of  plumage  rich  chestnut-brown,  glossed  with  pur- 
ple on  the  head.  They  nest  by  thousands  in  extensive 
swamps,  in  company  with  herons. 

Nest. — Strongly  and  compactly  woven  of  dead  rushes 
attached  to  living  stalks,  well  cupped,  thus  differing 
from  that  of  any  of  the  herons;  eggs  plain  greenish 
blue  (1.95x1.35);  deeper  and  brighter  than  those  of 
any  of  the  herons. 

Range. — Texas,  New  Mexico,  Ariz.,  Calif.,  and  south- 
ward. 


STORKS— Family  Ciconidae 
WOOD    IBIS 

188.  Mycteria  americana.     40  to  46  in. 

Entire  head  unfeathered  and  covered  with  scales; 
both  head  and  legs  are  pale  bluish  in  color;  eye  brown; 
plumage  entirely  white  except  for  the  glossy  purplish- 
black  primaries  and  tail.  This  large  bird  is  a  true 
stork  and  is  very  similar  to  the  common  European 
Stork.  The  name  ibis  was  incorrectly  and  unfortunately 
applied  to  this  species,  and  tends  to  confusion.  Its 
flight  is  very  easy  and  graceful,  accomplished  with  a 
slow  flapping  of  the  wings,  alternated  at  short  intervals 
with  long  sails.  At  times  they  mount  high  in  the  air 
and  circle  about  like  hawks  or  vultures. 

Notes. — Loud,  hoarse  croaks. 

Nest. — A  shallow  platform  of  sticks  in  bushes  or  at 
low  elevations  in  trees,  usually  over  the  water,  the  birds 
swarming  in  the  most  inaccessible  swamps.  Their  3  or 
4  eggs  are  white  and  granular. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States  and  north  to  South 
Carolina;  later  may  stray  north  to  New  \ork. 


117 


BITTERNS,    ETC.— Family   Ardeidse 
AMERICAN    BITTERN 

190.  Botaurus  lentiginosiis.     28  in. 

Much  variegated  with  brown  and  yellowish -brown; 
adults  with  a  long,  broad,  black  stripe  on  either  side 
of  the  white  throat;  eye  yellow;  legs  and  base  of  bill 
greenish-yellow.  Bitterns  have  a  great  many  local 
names,  most  of  which  refer  to  the  peculiar  pumping 
noise  that  the  male  makes  during  the  mating  season. 
Perhaps  the  most  common  of  these  is  "  Stake-driver." 
Bitterns  are  found  in  bogs  or  marshes;  they  remain 
concealed  by  the  tall  grass  until  any  intruder  is  very 
near,  before  they  take  flight. 

Notes. — A  squawk  of  alarm ;  song  a  hollow  "  punk- 
er-lunk." 

Nest. — A  grass-lined  hollow  in  tufts  of  grass  or  turf, 
in  the  middle  of  bogs  or  marshes.  3  or  4  plain  brownish 
eggs,  measuring  1.95x1.50.  But  one  or  two  pairs  nest 
in  a  locality;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  United 
States  and  Southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  half 
of  the  United  States. 


LEAST    BITTERN 

191.  Ixobrychus  exilis.     13  in. 

Male  with  the  crown  and  back  glossy  black;  female 
with  these  areas  hair-brown,  and  streaked  with  brown 
below.  These  diminutive  little  bitterns  are  very  shy  and 
retiring,  and  seldom  seen  away  from  the  reed  grown 
marshes  or  ponds  that  they  frequent. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  croak,  and  a  softly  repeated  "  coo." 

Nest. — A  platform  of  dead  rushes  twisted  about  the 
living  stalks.  The  3  or  4  eggs  are  pale  bluish  white. 
(1.2x.9)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States,  locally  to  South- 
ern Canada;  winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 

CORY    LEAST   BITTERN 

191.1.  Ixobrychus  neoxynus.  13  in. 
This  extremely  rare  little  bittern  is  of  the  same  size 
and  form  as  the  common  species.  The  crown,  back, 
wing-feathers  and  tail  are  black,  and  the  rest  of  the 
plumage  is  more  or  less  intense  chestnut  brown.  The 
majority  of  specimens  have  been  taken  in  Florida  and 
Ontario,  with  one  each  from,  Michigan  and  Massachu- 
setts. There  are  about  twenty  of  them  known  to  be 
preserved. 


GREAT   WHITE   HERON 
192.  Ardea  Occident alis.     50  in. 

This  is  the  largest  heron  that  we  get  in  North  Amer- 
ica, surpassing  even  the  Great  Blue.  Its  plumage  is 
entirely  white;  no  "aigrettes"  on  the  back,  but  two 
white  plumes  on  the  back  of  the  head  and  the  feathers 
of  the  breast  much  lengthened,  the  same  as  in  adult 
Blue  Herons;  bill,  eyes  and  legs  yellow.  A  gray  phase 
of  this  heron,  or  a*  hybrid  between  it  and  the  Great 
Blue  Heron,  is  occasionally  found  in  Southern  Florida; 
it  is  similar  to  the  Blue  Heron,  but  paler  and  with  the 
head  and  neck  white. 

Nest. — A  large  platform  of  sticks  placed  in  the  tops 
of  mangroves.  Their  three  or  four  eggs  are  not  dis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  the  next  species;  June. 

Range. — Said  to  be  not  uncommon  on  some  of  the 
Florida  Kevg.- 


GREAT    BLUE    HERON 

194.  Ardea  herodias.     48  in. 

Adult  Blue  Herons  are  very  handsome  birds,  as  may 
be  seen  in  the  illustration.  Young  birds,  and  nine  out 
of  ten  that  we  see  will  be  young  birds,  are  much  duller 
colored  and  have  no  plumes.  It  takes  several  years 
for  them  to  attain  their  perfect  plumage.  Their  nests 
are  placed  in  the  tops  of  the  tallest  trees  and  are,  con- 
sequently, difficult  to  get  at.  In  some  heronries,  trees 
have  been  found  containing  as  many  as  40  nests.  In 
flight,  herons  always  carry  their  head  drawn  in  against 
the  shoulders,  the  neck  being  curved  below. 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks  in  tall  trees  in  wet  woods. 
3  or  4  pale  greenish-blue  eggs  (2.50x1.50)  ;  May,  June. 

Range.— Breeds  locally  throughout  the  United  States 
and  Canada,  either  in  colonies,  or  single  pairs  where 
they  are  persecuted  as  in  New  England;  winters  in 
Southern  U.  S.  149b.  Ward  Heron  (A.  h.  wardi)  is 
similar  but  lighter  below  and  the  neck  is  darker  and 
browner;  it  abounds  in  Florida- 


AMERICAN    EGRET 
196.  Herodias  egretta.     41  in. 

Entirely  white,  with  no  plumes  on  the  head  but  with 
a  long  train  of  straight  "  aigrette "  plumes  growing 
from  the  middle  of  the  back;  bill  and  eye,  yellow;  legs 
and  feet,  black.  Young  and  adults  in  winter,  without 
plumes.  The  hand  of  man,  to  gratify  the  desire  of 
woman,  has  ruthlessly  slaughtered  thousands  upon  thou- 
sands of  these  exquisitely  beautiful  birds;  in  Florida 
where  they  were  abundant  a  few  years  ago.  only  strag- 
glers are  seen.  A  few  of  these  heronries  are  yet  left, 
either  because  they  are  in  wildernesses  where  man  has 
not  yet  penetrated,  or  are  strongly  protected  by  the 
humane  owners  of  the  land.  It  is  only  at  the  breeding 
places  that  they  can  be  killed  in  numbers,  as  at  other 
times  they  are  shy;  and  it  is  only  during  nesting  season 
that  they  wear  their  beautiful  plumes. 

Nest. — A  frail  platform  of  sticks,  at  low  elevations, 
in  bushes  usually  over  water  in  swamps.  Eggs,  3  or 
4  in  number,  plain  bluish  green  (2.25x1.45);  April 
to  June. 


SNOWY    HERON 

197.  Eyretta  candidissima.     24  in. 

Plumage  white;  in  breeding  season  with  numerous 
recurved  plumes  growing  from  the  middle  of  the  back; 
long  crest  of  plumes  on  the  back  of  the  head,  and  on 
the  breast.  Bill  black,  greenish  at  the  base  and  about 
the  eyes;  legs  black;  feet  yellow.  This  species  is  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  Egrets  and  consequently  is  the  one 
that  has  suffered  most  from  "  plume  hunters."  Al- 
though they  are  now  protected  wherever  they  can  be, 
their  ranks  have  been  so  decimated  that  extermination 
is  threatened  within  a  few  years;  the  demand  for  their 
plumes  is  still  so  great  that  lawless  men  will  commit 
murder  to  obtain  them  (Warden  Bradley  having  been 
shot  in  1905,  while  preventing  the  destruction  of  herons 
in  Southern  Florida). 

Nest. — In  swamps,  in  company  with  other  small  her- 
ons, the  nests  being  frail  platforms  of  twigs  on  branches 
of  trees.  Eggs  pale  greenish-blue. 

Range. — Breeding  range  formerly  coincident  with  that 
of  the  last,  but  now  very  rare. 


123 


REDDISH    EGRET 
198.  Dichromanassa  rufescens.     29  in. 

Two  color  phases,  the  gray  being  the  most  common:  — 
Head  and  neck,  including  plumes  on  neck  and  breast, 
reddish-brown:  rest  of  plumage  gray,  the  plumes  on  the 
back  being  lightest;  feet  blue-black;  bill  yellowish 
at  the  base  and  black  at  the  tip.  In  the  white  phase, 
the  plumage  is  entirely,  or  nearly,  white,  including  the 
plumes.  As  usual,  these  egrets  associate  in  large  flocks, 
of  their  own  kind  or  other  small  herons.  Their  food 
consists  of  small  fish,  frogs,  lizards,  insects  and  mice. 
They  will  stand  motionless  in  shallow  water,  for  a  long 
time  waiting  for  their  prey,  and  woe  to  the  creature 
that  comes  within  striking 'distance  of  their  spear-like 
bill.  Their  flight  is  strong  and  graceful  as  they  make 
their  way  from  their  breeding  places  to  their  feeding 
grounds  on  the  mud  flats,  left  bare  by  the  receding  tide. 

Nest. — Like  that  of  other  herons;  eggs  slightly  more 
greenish  blue  than  those  of  the  other  egrets  ( 1.9x1.45)  ; 
May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  coast  states,  and  north 
to  South  Carolina. 


LOUISIANA    HERON 

199.  Bydranassa,  tricolor  ruficollis.     26  in. 

In  breeding  plumage,  with  short  plumes  on  the  hack, 
extending  three  or  four  inches  beyond  the  tips  of  the 
wings.  Throat,  front  line  of  neck,  and  underparts 
white;  head  and  neck  reddish-purple;  back  and  wings 
slaty;  crest  whitish;  bill  and  legs  dark;  eyes  red.  A 
very  abundant  species  throughout  the  year,  on  the  Gulf 
coast  of  the  United  States.  Their  bearing  is  one  of 
self-esteem  and  their  walk  slow  and  stately;  they  are 
often  called  "  Lady  of  the  Waters,"  because  of  the  im- 
posing picture  that  they  make.  They  are  very  sociable, 
rarely  quarrel  among  themselves,  and  are  usually  found 
in  company  with  Little  Blue  Herons  and  Egrets. 

Nest. — They  nest  in  communities  in  mangroves  in 
southern  Florida  and  in  swamps,  in  company  with  many 
other  species,  in  the  northern  portions  of  their  range. 
Their  nesting  habits  and  eggs  are  the  same  as  those  of 
the  Snowy  Heron. 

Range. — Breeds  and  is  resident  in  the  South  Atlantic- 
and  Gulf  States. 


126 


LITTLE   BLUE   HERON 

200.  Florida  ccerulca.     22  in. 

Head  and  neck,  maroon;  rest  of  plumage  slaty-blue; 
plumes  on  back  of  head,  breast  and  on  the  back;  eyes 
yellow;  bill  and  feet  greenish.  Young  birds  are  white, 
usually  with  a  tinge  of  bluish  on  the  forehead  and  ends 
of  the  wings.  They  can  be  distinguished  from  the  simi- 
lar Snowy  Herons  by  the  greenish-black  legs,  while  the 
legs  of  the  latter  are  black  with  yellow  feet.  These 
little  herons  are  resident  and  most  abundant  in  the 
South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States.  They  are  at  home  in 
and  enjoy  the  rankest  and  most  impenetrable  swamps, 
where  only  birds  or  reptiles  can  tread  with  safety. 
Yet  herons  are  an  interesting  group  and,  in  their  own 
way,  perform  useful  service  to  mankind  by  destroying 
quantities  of  reptiles,  insects  and  mice. 

Nest. — The  nesting  habits  and  eggs  of  this  species  are 
the  same  as  those  of  the  little  Snowy  Heron  and  the 
eggs  cannot  be  distinguished  with  certainty. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Virginia  and  Illinois;  later 
may  stray  north  to  New  England. 


GREEN    HERON 

201.  Butorides  virescens.     17  in. 

Smallest  of  the  family,  except  the  Least  Bittern.  In 
breeding  plumage,  they  are  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
of  herons.  They  may  be  found  in  marshes,  along  creeks 
or  about  the  edges  of  shallow  ponds  or  lakes.  They 
are  often  seen  sitting  upon  a  partly  submerged  log 
sunning  themselves,  or  waiting  for  a  tempting  frog  or 
fish  to  pass  within  reach.  When  they  are  among  rushes, 
they  will  usually  attempt  to  escape  observation  by 
mimicking  their  surroundings,  and  they  do  so  very  suc- 
cessfully. When  they  are  alarmed  and  take  flight  they 
utter  a  single  sharp  shriek.  At  other  times  they  utter 
a  series  of  hollow  screams,  "  qu-ick,  qu-ick,"  and  also  a 
hollow  croak. 

Nest. — In  bushes,  in  communities  or  in  company  with 
other  species  in  the  south,  but  usually  a  few  pairs  nest 
in  a  locality  in  the  northern  states  and  Canada, 
pale  bluish-green  (1.45x1.10). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Manitoba  and  Nova 
Scotia;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States. 


128 


BLACK-CROWNED   NIGHT    HERON 
202.  Xycticorax  nycticorax  n&vius.     24  in. 

Bill  much  heavier  than  that  of  the  herons;  neck  and 
legs  shorter  and  stouter;  eye  red;  bill  black;  legs  and 
bare  space  in  front  of  eye,  pale  yellowish-green.  Young 
birds  are  mottled  with  brownish-gray  and  white;  eyes 
yellow.  As  their  name  implies,  these  herons  do  most 
of  their  feeding  after  dusk,  sleeping  during  the  greater 
part  of  the  day.  Their  heronries  are  usually  located  in 
swamps,  and  preferably  in  coniferous  trees.  A  visit  to 
one  of  these  is  very  interesting,  but  old  clothes  must 
be  worn,  for  their  homes  are  filthy.  On  your  approach, 
the  old  birds  flap  away,  and  circle  about  with  squawks 
of  disapproval,  and  all  the  young  birds  commence  a 
loud  ticking  noise,  like  what  would  be  produced  by  hun- 
dreds of  huge  "  grandfather's  clocks." 

Notes. — A  harsh  "quark." 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks;  eggs  pale  bluish-green. 
(2.00x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Mani- 
toba ;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States  and  southward. 


YELLOW-CROWNED    NIGHT    HERON 
203.  Nycianassa  violacea.     23  in. 

Like  the  last  species,  the  head  of  this  one  is  adorned 
with  three  long,  rounded,  white  plumes;  in  life  these 
plumes  are  rarely  separated,  but  are  nested  together  so 
that  there  appears  to  be  but  one.  As  dusk  approaches, 
these  birds  sally  out  from  their  roosting  or  nesting 
places,  and  with  slow,  measured  flaps,  wing  their  way 
to  their  feeding  grounds,  which  are  usually  fresh  water 
bogs,  teeming  with  animal  and  insect  life.  After  dark 
the  "  quark "  of  Night  Herons  is  frequently  heard  as 
the  birds  pass  overhead,  and  they  can  very  easily  be 
decoyed  by  a  crude  imitation  of  their  call.  This  species 
is  principally  confined  to  the  South  where  it  is  found  in 
heronries  of  its  own  kind,  or  in  company  with  others. 

Notes. — Like  those  of  the  Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks  in  trees,  in  swamps.  3  or 
4  pale  bluish-green  eggs  (2.00x1.40)  ;  May. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina  and  Southern 
Illinois;  later  may  stray  farther  north. 


130 


CRANES,    RAILS,    ETC.— Order    Paludicolae 
CRANES— Family  Gruidae 

WHOOPING    CRANE 
204.  Grus  americana.     50  in. 

Plumage  white,  with  black  primaries;  the  inner  wing 
feathers  greatly  lengthened,  making  a  flowing  train. 
Head  of  adult,  largely  bare,  carmine  colored,  and  with 
a  few  black  hair-like  feathers;  eye  yellow;  bill  and  legs 
black.  Young  birds  are  whitish,  mixed  with  gray. 
These  great  birds  are  not  uncommon  on  the  prairies  of 
interior  America,  where  they  frequent  the  edges  of 
marshes  and  sloughs.  They  are  very  wary  and  their 
great  height  enables  them  to  see  anyone  a  long  way 
off,  above  the  marsh  grass.  They  were  formerly  found 
on  the  South  Atlantic  coast,  but  are  now  extremely  rare 
there. 

Notes. — A  loud  whooping  scream. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usually  in  marshes;  it  is  a 
bulky  mass  of  grass  and  weeds,  with  the  hollowed  top 
a  foot  or  more  above  ground.  The  two  eggs  that  they 
lay  are  brownish-buff,  spotted  with  brown.  (3.75  x  2.50) ; 
May,  June. 


LITTLE    BROWN    CRANE 

205.  Grus  canadensis.     36  in. 

Like  the  next  and  better  known  species,  but  smaller 
and  browner,  especially  on  the  wings. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Northern  Canada; 
migrates,  west  of  the  Mississippi  and  east  of  the  Kockies, 
to  Mexico. 

SANDHILL    CRANE 

206.  Grus  mexicana.     44  in. 

Plumage  entirely  grayish  with  a  few  brownish  feath- 
ers; bare  skin  on  top  of  head,  red.  These  cranes  are 
locally  distributed  in  the  Gulf  States,  and  in  the  inte- 
rior north  to  Manitoba.  Their  food  consists  largely  of 
grasshoppers,  worms  and  lizards.  Unlike  herons,  their 
young  are  born-  covered  with  down  and  can  run  about 
as  soon  as  they  appear.  When  flying,  cranes  carry 
their  neck  full  outstretched. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  like  that  of  the  Whooping 
Crane. 

Range. — Winters  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  in  Florida; 
breeds  north  to  Manitoba. 


132 


COURLANS— Family  Aramidae 

LIMPKIN 
207.  Aramus  vociferus.     27  in. 

These  singular  birds  are  the  connecting  link  between 
the  cranes  and  the  rails.  They  are  rarely  seen  in  flocks, 
usually  living  a  secluded  life  in  pairs.  They  are  often 
known  as  the  "  crying  bird,"  because  of  the  peculiar 
wailing  cries  that  they  utter,  both  in  daytime  and  after 
nightfall.  They  are  great  skulkers,  and  it  is  difficult 
to  make  them  fly;  when  they  do  take  wing,  it  is  only  to 
go  a  few  rods  before  dropping  into  the  shelter  of  the 
reeds  again.  They  can  run  rapidly,  having  a  peculiar 
mincing  gait,  that  is  said  to  have  given  them  the  name 
of  Limpkin. 

Notes. — A  peculiar  wailing  "  whee-ee-eu." 

Nest. — A  loosely  constructed  platform  of  sticks,  leaves, 
grass  and  moss,  located  a  few  feet  from  the  ground  in 
tangled  underbrush  or  vines.  The  4  to  7  eggs  are  buffy 
white,  blotched  with  brown  (2.30x  1.70)  ;  April,  May. 

Range. — Breeds  and  is  resident  in  Southern  Florida, 
and  casually  Texas. 


RAILS,    GALLINULES   AND    COOTS— Family   Rallidse 
KING   RAIL 

208.  Rallus  elegans.     18  in. 

Back  handsomely  patterned  with  black,  olive-brown 
and  gray:  wing  coverts  reddish-brown;  neck  and  breast, 
rich  cinnamon-brown,  brightest  on  the  breast.  Sides 
sharply  barred  with  black  and  white.  This  species  is 
the  handsomest  of  the  rails,  and  is  the  most  distinctly 
and  brightly  marked.  They  are  excellent  runners  and 
are  very  difficult  to  start  from  the  marsh  grass  within 
which  they  are  concealed.  They  are  usually  found  in 
fresh  water  marshes,  while  the  next  species  is  most 
abundant  in  salt  marshes ;  they  are  both  often  found  in 
the  same  place  and  must  be  seen  at  close  range  to  dis- 
tinguish them. 

Notes. — A  loud  "  bup,  bup,  bup  "  repeated  and  ending 
in  a  roll.  (Chapman). 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  weeds  on  the  ground  in  marshes. 
The  eggs  are  pale  buff,  spotted  with  reddish-brown 
(1.6x1.2)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  coast  north  to  Conn., 
Ont.,  and  Minn.  Winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


CLAPPER    RAIL 

211.  Rail  us  crepitans.     15  in. 

General  color  above  olive-grayish,  with  no  strong  black 
markings;  breast  pale  brown;  flanks  barred  with  gray 
and  \\liite.  This  species  is  found  almost  exclusively  in 
salt  marshes,  where  they  skulk  about  like  rats.  During 
exceptionally  high  tides,  when  their  hiding  places  are 
(••>vered.  many  of  them  are  killed  by  negroes  and  white 
men  for  food:  they  can  swim,  but  usually  run  across 
the  marsh,  making  use  of  blades  of  grass,  sticks  or 
whatever  trash  may  be  in  their  course,  as  stepping 
stones. 

Notes. — Loud  and  clacking  like  those  of  the  King  Rail. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  on  the  ground  in  salt  marshes;  6  to 
14  buffy  eggs,  spotted  with  brown  (1.70x1.20). 

Range. — Salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  north  to 
Mass.  The  following  subspecies  are  darker  and  very 
locally  distributed.  211a.  Louisiana  Clapper  (R.  c.  satu- 
ratus),  coast  of  La.  2 lib,  Scott  Clapper  (R.  c.  scotti), 
Gulf  coast  of  Fla.  211c,  Wayne  Clapper  (R.  c.  waynei), 
east  coast  of  Fla.  to  S.  C. 


VIRGINIA    RAIL 
212.  Rallus  virginianus.     9.5  in. 

Coloration  almost  exactly  like  that  of  the  King  Rail, 
but  the  bird  is  much  smaller.  Like  that  species,  this 
one  prefers  fresh  water  marshes.  They  have  a  great 
aversion  to  flying,  and,  like  other  rails,  will  trust  to 
their  legs  for  safety,  should  danger  threaten;  probably 
no  other  birds  are  as  dexterous  as  the  rails  in  thread- 
ing their  way  through  the  close  standing  rushes.  Al- 
though they  do  not  have  webbed  feet,  they  can  swim 
fairly  \vell,  and  also  dive,  but  they  do  so  only  when 
they  are  forced  to.  They  look  extremely  awkward  as 
they  run  over  the  trash  on  the  marsh,  their  head  and 
neck  erect  and  extended,  with  their  head  rapidly  turn- 
ing from  side  to  side  as  though  looking  for  a  place  of 
safety. 

Notes. — A  guttural,  rattling  "  cut-cut-cut-ee." 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  or  in  tufts  of  rushes- 
eggs  creamy- white,  specked  with  brown.  (1.25x.90); 
May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  United 
States  and  southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


135 


136* 


CAROLINA    RAIL;    SORA 
214.  Porzana  Carolina.     8.5  in. 

Adults  with  the  face  and  throat  black.  Young  with 
no  black  on  the  head.  This  species  is  not  apt  to  be 
confused  with  any,  except,  possibly,  the  Virginia  Rail, 
which  is  somewhat  larger,  and  always  has  the  breast 
conspicuously  cinnamon  color.  These  birds  are  very 
abundant  in  nearly  their  whole  range,  but  they  are  so 
secretive  in  their  habits  that  their  presence  is  often'  not 
noticed.  Unless  disturbed,  they  pass  the  greater  por- 
tion of  the  day  in  slumber,  and  do  most  of  their  feeding 
after  dusk,  when  their  confused,  clucking  notes  are 
heard  all  over  the  marshes.  All  of  the  rails  have  this 
habit  of  feeding  chiefly  at  night,  perhaps  through  fear 
of  enemies  during  the  daytime,  for  they  seem  to  be  very 
timid  birds. 

Notes. — A  rapid  clucking,  "  kuk,  kuk,  kuk,"  etc. 

Nest. — A  rude  structure  of  grass  and  rushes  on  the 
ground  in  either  salt  or  fresh  marshes;  6  to  16  buff 
colored  eggs  with  reddish  brown  specks. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S.  and 
northwards;  winters  in  the  southern  half. 


YELLOW    RAIL 
215.  Coturnicops  noveboracensis.     1  in. 

This  is  a  handsome  bird,  the  entire  plumage  having 
a  glossy  lustre.  The  back  is  blackish,  with  all  the 
feathers  edged  with  white,  while  the  head,  neck  and 
breast  have  a  peculiar  yellowish-brown  shade. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  made  of  rushes  and  grass 
woven  and  twisted  together;  the  6  to  12  eggs  are  rich 
buff  color,  specked  in  a  wreath  about  the  large  end,  with 
reddish-brown;  size  l.lOx.80;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  northern  U.  S.  and  southern  Can- 
ada; winters  in  the  southern  states. 

BLACK    RAIL 

216.  Creciscus  jamaicensis.     5  in. 

Much  smaller  than  any  of  our  other  rails;  very  dark. 

Notes. — A  peculiar,  loud  clicking  sound. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  rushes,  well  cupped  to  receive  the 
6  to  12  eggs;  these  are  creamy  white,  speckled  with 
reddish  brown  (1.03x.75);  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  United  States  north  to  Mass., 
southern  Minn,  and  Oregon.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies 
and  Central  America. 


PURPLE    GALLINULE 

218.  lonornis  martinicus.     13  in. 

Bill  shorter  and  stouter  than  that  of  the  rails,  and 
with  a  hard  shield  at  the  base,  that  extends  on  the  fore- 
head to  the  top  of  the  head.  This  species  is  beautifully 
colored  with  purplish-red  and  blue  on  the  underparts, 
and  greenish  on  the  back  and  wings;  legs  yellow;  bill 
carmine,  tipped  with  yellow.  The  habits  of  the  galli- 
nules  are  practically  the  same  as  those  of  the  rails. 
They  inhabit  marshes,  where  they  creep  cautiously  but 
rapidly  through  the  upright  stalks,  or  run  over  the 
slimy  surface,  where  none  but  birds  with  extremely  long 
toes  could  get  a  foothold.  Their  powers  of  flight  are 
weak,  and  they  do  not  take  wing  unless  they  are  cor- 
nered or  wish  to  cross  some  stream. 

Nest. — Woven  of  grasses  and  rushes,  and  placed  either 
on  the  ground  or  attached  to  living  rushes,  usually  over 
the  water;  their  5  to  10  eggs  are  rich  cream  color, 
spotted  with  reddish  brown  (1.60x1.15). 

Range. — Breeds  in  eastern  United  States,  north  to 
North  Carolina  and  southern  Illinois;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


g 


FLORIDA    GALLINULE 

219.  Gallinula  galeata.     13  in. 

Bill  and  crown  plate,  reel,  tipped  with  yellow;  legs 
reenish  with  a  red  ring  around  the  top;  plumage  gray 
changing  to  blackish  on  the  head  and  neck.  Florida 
Gallinules  are  very  noisy,  especially  during  the  mating 
and  breeding  season,  and  marshes  in  the  south,  where 
they  breed  by  hundreds,  fairly  ring  with  their  cries. 
chuckles  and  squawks.  They  have  an  almost  endless 
variety  of  notes  but  all  of  them  are  harsh  and  explosive. 
At  times  they  appear  to  be  stupid,  and  allow  anyone  to 
approach  in  a  boat,  near  enough  to  touch  them  with  an 
oar.  When  frightened,  and  with  no  protecting  rushes 
to  conceal  them,  they  will  rush  off  over  the  grass  and 
water,  with  much  spattering  and  squawking. 

Nest.-  -Usually  fastened  in  the  marsh  grass  or  flags 
above  water;  made  of  rushes  and  grass;  the  eggs  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  Purple  Gallinule  but  are  duller. 

Range.  —  Breeds  north  to  southern  New  England,  On- 
tario, Minnesota  and  Oregon;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


140 


AMERICAN    COOT 
221.  Fulica  americana.     15  in. 

Bill  and  frontal  shield  as  in  the  gallinules,  but  the 
bill  is  whitish  with  a  blackish  ring  near  the  tip;  each 
individual  toe  is  furnished  with  a  large  scalloped  web; 
otherwise  their  plumage  is  grayish  like  that  of  the 
Florida  Gallinule.  Coots  are,  locally,  very  abundant 
throughout  temperate  North  America  in  summer.  Like 
gallinules,  they  inhabit  reedy  pools,  sluggish  streams 
and  boggy  marshes,  where  they  are  at  least  safe  from 
human  pursuit.  They  conceal  themselves  among  the 
reeds,  so  as  to  escape  observation,  taking  wing  only 
when  they  are  obliged  to.  They  are  expert  swimmers, 
and  can  dive  and  swim  for  long  distances  under  water; 
in  this  respect  they  have  a  decided  advantage  over  the 
rails  and  gallinules. 

Nest. — Like  that  of  the  gallinules;  6  to  15  grayish 
eggs,  finely  speckled  with  black  (1.80x1.30).  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  throughout  temperate  America,  rare 
on  the  North  Atlantic  coast;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


SHORE   BIRDS— Order  Limicolae 
PHALAROPES— Family  Phalaropodidae 

RED    PHALAROPE 
222.  Phalaropus  fulicarius.     8  in. 

Bill  heavier  than  any  of  the  other  phalaropes;  feet 
lobate-webbed.  Adults  in  summer  have  the  entire  under- 
parts  reddish  brown;  side  of  head  white;  upper  parts 
gray,  white  and  black.  In  winter,  head  and  underparts 
are  white;  back  gray.  Phalaropes  differ  from  any  other 
of  our  birds,  in  that  the  female  is  the  larger  and  brighter 
plumaged  bird,  and  the  duties  of  incubation  are  largely 
or  chiefly  performed  by  the  male  bird.  These  phalaropes 
are  very  rarely  seen  in  the  United  States  in  their  breed- 
ing plumage;  when  they  come  in.  the  Fall,  nearly  all 
have  changed  to  their  dull  winter  dress,  and  they  keep 
this  until  after  they  leave  us  in  the  Spring. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  lined  with  a  few 
grasses;  eggs  greenish  buff,  spotted  with  blackish. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
to  New  York,  Calif.,  and  Ohio,  chiefly  on  the  sea  coasts. 


142 


NORTHERN    PHALAROPE 
223.  Lobipes  lobatus.     7.5  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender.  Female  in  summer  with 
reddish-brown  breast;  gray  upper  parts  mixed  with 
white  and  buff;  throat  and  belly,  white.  Male,  similar 
but  duller  colored.  In  winter,  the  upper  parts  are  gray 
mixed  with  white,  and  the  underparts  are  pure  white. 
This  is  a  maritime  species  that  nests  in  the  far  north, 
and  appears  on  our  coast  only  for  a  short  time  during 
migrations.  Like  the  last,  they  are  expert  swimmers 
and  pass  most  of  their  time,  w'hen  not  breeding,  upon 
the  surface  of  the  water,  where  they  can  outride  the 
most  severe  storms  in  safety.  They  feed  upon  minute 
insects  that  they  secure  from  beds  of  floating  kelp. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  rapidly  repeated,  metallic  "  tweet." 

Nest. — A  grass-lined  hollow  in  the  ground;  eggs 
greenish-buff,  spotted  with  black  (1.30x.90). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador,  Hudson  Bay  and 
Alaska  northward.  Winters  south  of  the  United  "States, 
migrating  along  both  coasts,  and  to  some  extent  in  the 
interior. 


WILSON    PHALAROPE        , 

224.  Steganopus  tricolor.     9  in. 

Bill  long  and  slender.  Female  in  summer  with  a 
black  line  through  eye,  shading  into  a  broad  stripe 
of  rich  chestnut  on  the  sides  of  the  neck.  Male  much 
duller  colored  and  slightly  smaller.  This  phalarope 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  shore  birds, 
and  is  the  most  southerly  distributed  of  the  phalaropes. 
It  is  a  bird  of  the  interior,  and  is  only  rarely  or  cas- 
ually met  with  on  the  sea  coasts.  It  commonly  travels 
about  in  small  companies  instead  of  large  flocks  as  the 
other  two  species  do,  and  is  not  as  often  seen  on  the 
water,  although  it  can  swim  well. 

Notes. — Usually  silent,  but  has  a  low  quack. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  usually  concealed 
in  a  tuft  of  grass,  and  near  the  border  of  a  marsh  or 
pond;  the  3  or  4  eggs  are  brownish  or  greenish-buff 
with  black  markings  ( 1.30  x. 90);  June. 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  in  the  interior,  from  Iowa  and 
California,  north  to  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the 
U.  S. 


AVOCETS    AND   STILTS— Family    Recurvirostridae 

AMERICAN    AVOCET 
225.  Recurmrostra  americana.     17  in. 

Bill  slender  and  recurved;  feet  webbed;  fe&tiiers  on 
the  underparts  very  thick  and  duck-like,  being  imper- 
vious to  water.  In  summer,  the  head  and  neck  are  pale 
cinnamon  color;  young  birds  and  winter  adults  have 
the  head  and  neck  white,  but  the  rest  of  the  plumage 
is  the  same  as  in  summer.  These  interesting  waders 
are  very  abundant  in  some  localities  on  the  western 
plains.  During  the  breeding  season,  if  not  molested, 
they  become  very  tame;  at  other  times  they  are  quite 
wary.  Their  food  consists  of  water  insects  and  small 
Crustacea,  which  they  secure  in  a  novel  manner.  Wad- 
ing along  in  shallow  water,  with  their  head  immersed, 
they  keep  their  bill  moving  from  side  to  side  through 
the  soft  mud. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  on  the  ground;  the  eggs  are  brown- 
ish-buff spotted  with  black  (1.90x1.30);  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  Texas  and  southern  Cali- 
fornia northward  to  Saskatchewan;  rare  or  casual  east 
of  the  Miss,  and  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BLACK-NECKED    STILT 

226.  Himantopus  mexicanus.     15  in. 

Legs  extremely  long,  and  bright  red;  neck  and  bill 
moderately  long  and  slender.  Male  black  and  white 
as  shown;  female  and  young  with  the  back  brownish. 
These  very  long-legged  creatures  are  found  in  suitable 
places  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  are  especially 
abundant  in  southern  California.  Stilts  are  poor  swim- 
mers, but  habitually  feed  in  comparatively  deep  water, 
that  is  up  to  their  bodies,  their  whole  head,  neck  and 
upper  parts  of  the  body  often  being  submerged  while 
thus  engaged.  They  are  strong  and  swift  on  the  wing, 
twisting  as  they  fly,  so  as  to  alternately  show  their 
black  upper  parts,  then  the  white  surfaces  beneath ;  this 
is  a  habit  that  is  common  to  several  varieties  of  shore 
birds. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  as  usual;  eggs  greenish-bun', 
spotted  with  black  (1.80x1.25)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  states  and  southern  Call- 
fornia,  north  to  Dakota;  winters  south  of  U.  S.,  except 
in  southern  California.     Rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 
10 


^se^- 


14G 


SNIPES,    SANDPIPERS,    ETC.— Family    Scolopacidse 

AMERICAN    WOODCOCK 
228.  PhUohela  minor.     11  in. 

Bill  very  long;  eyes  very  large  and  located  near  the 
top  of  the  head :  form  heavy ;  legs  short ;  plumage  much 
mottled  with  black,  brown  and  gray.  These  peculiar 
birds  are  very  well  known  throughout  their  range,  to 
gunners  and  sportsmen,  who  have  been  the  means  of 
almost  completely  exterminating  them  in  some  locali- 
ties. They  are  found  in  runs  along  the  edges  of  brooks, 
where  the  mud  is  soft.  Their  food  is  of  worms,  insects 
and  their  larvae,  Avhich  they  get  from  the  ground  by 
boring  with  their  long  bills.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid. 
and  when  startled  they  double  and  twist  in  their  haste 
to  get  away,  their  three  narrow  outer  wing  feathers 
producing  a  peculiar  whistling  sound. 

Notes. — A  low  peep,  and  a  twittering. 

Nest. — Simply  a  hollow  amid  the  surrounding  leaves ; 
the  4  eggs  are  buff,  with  yellowish-brown  spots  ( 1.50  x 
1.15)  ;  April,  May. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  chiefly  from  Ohio 
and  New  Jersey,  northward ;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


WILSON    SNIPE 
230.  Gallinago  delicata.     11  in. 

Bill  very  long,  but  not  as  heavy  as  that  of  the  Wood- 
cock; eyes  not  abnormally  large;  head  striped  with 
black  and  whitish;  back  handsomely  variegated  with 
black,  brown  and  white;  sides  barred  with  black  and 
white.  The  Snipe  frequents  more  open  country  than 
the  Woodcock,  being  found  in  marshes  or  along  open 
brooks.  Like  the  Woodcock,  they  often  lie  still  and 
trust  to  their  colors  to  prevent  their  being  seen,  but  if 
they  are  observed,  and  they  are  always  on  the  alert, 
they  instantly  take  wing  and  pursue  a  zigzag  course  out 
of  sight.  Like  the  last  species  they  procure  their  food 
by  boring,  the  tip  of  the  bill  being  flexible,  so  they  can 
grasp  their  food  when  they  feel  it. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  harsh  whistle  as  they  take  wing. 

Nest. — Depressions  in  the  grassy  edges  of  ponds  or 
marshes;  eggs  olive  gray,  marked  with  blackish.  ( 1.50  x 
1.10)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states  north- 
ward. Winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


148 


DOWITCHER 
231.  Macrprhamphua  griseus.     10.5  in. 

Bill  very  long  like  that  of  the  Snipe.  Adults  in  sum- 
mer are  reddish-brown  below,  more  or  less  speeked  with 
black  on  the  breast  and  barred  with  black  on  the  sides ; 
above  mottled  with  brown  and  black,  lighter,  or  even 
white,  on  the  rump.  In  winter,  they  are  gray  above 
and  white  below,  the  breast  being  tinged  with  gray  and 
streaked  with  dusty.  Dowitchers  are  known  as  Red- 
breasted  Snipe  and  as  Robin  Snipe  by  gunners,  with 
whom  they  are  great  favorites.  They  usually  travel  in 
flocks,  and  often  with  flocks  of  other  species.  Their 
notes  are  a  series  of  musical  whistles,  easily  imitated, 
and  the  birds  are  easily  attracted  thereby. 

Nest. — As  usual  on  the  ground ;  eggs  greenish-buff, 
spotted. 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  in  the  Arctic  regions ; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 

232.  LONG-BILLED  DOWITCHER  (M.  scolopaceus ) , 
is  found  in  western  N.  A.  The  bill  is  supposed  to  be 
longer,  but  the  plumage  is  identical  and  the  birds  prob- 
ablv  are. 


STILT    SANDPIPER 

233.  Mlcropalama,  himantopus.     8.5  in. 

Bill  slender  and  only  moderately  long.  In  summer, 
the  entire  underparts  are  rusty-white,  barred  with  black- 
ish; ear-coverts  and  top  of  head  browner;  back  mixed 
brown  and  black.  In  winter,  they  are  gray  above  and 
whitish  below,  with  the  breast  streaked  with  dusty. 
They  seem  to  be  one  of  the  least  abundant  of  our  shore 
birds,  single  individuals  being  found  in  flocks  of  other 
species,  rather  than  in  flocks  of  themselves.  They  are 
usually  more  shy  than  the  birds  with  which  they  are 
associated,  perhaps  because  they  lack  companionship  of 
their  own  kind.  They  have  a  musical  whistle,  not  dis- 
tinctive from  that  of  many  others  of  our  small  shore 
birds. 

Nest. — The  three  or  four  eggs  are  laid  in  a  hollow  i 
the  ground,  usually  in  the  grass  back  from  the  beach 
eggs  grayish,  blotched  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  North  America,  breeding  in  the  Arc 
tic  regions  and  migrating  through  the  United  States  t 
South  America,  chiefly  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


I     *     e.  A'.W«-«-O  ' 


KNOT 
234.  Tringa  canutus.     10.5  in. 

Bill  moderately  long  and  quite  stout;  form  more 
robust  than  most  of  our  shore  birds.  Adults  in  summer, 
mixed  brownish  and  gray,  above,  and  uniform  reddish- 
brown  below.  In  winter,  plain  gray  above  and  white 
below;  young  similar  but  with  feathers  on  the  back 
edged  with  white.  It  is  an  abundant  species  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  during  migrations,  and  is  known  by  vari- 
ous names  such  as  Red-breasted  Sandpiper  and  Robin 
Snipe,  when  in  summer  dress,  and  as  Gray-back  when 
in  winter  plumage.  It  is  usually  found  on  the  ocean 
beach,  where  it  follows  the  waves  as  they  recede,  pick- 
ing up  numerous  insects  left  there,  and  retreating  be- 
fore the  next  wave. 

Notes. — An  ordinary  Sandpiper  whistle. 

Nest. — Xot  positively  known,  but  a  supposed  egg 
obtained  by  Lieutenant  Greely  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort 
Conger  was  pea-green  in  color,  with  small  brown  spots. 
(1.10'xl.OO). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  migrates  chiefly 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  to  South  America. 


PURPLE   SANDPIPER 
235.  Arquatella  maritima.     9  in. 

Upper  parts  blackish,  margined  with  buffy;  breast 
and  sides  slaty  purple.  In  winter,  blackish,  without 
the  rusty  edging  to  the  feathers.  These  dark  colored 
little  sandpipers  prefer  bold  rocky  coasts. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  among  grass  and 
weeds,  lined  with  a  few  grasses;  eggs  grayish  buff, 
handsomely  splashed  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Labrador  and  the 
mouth  of  Hudson  Bay  northward ;  winters  south  to 
Long  Island  Sound  and  the  Great  Lakes. 

PECTORAL    SANDPIPER 

239.  Pisobia  maculata.     9  in. 

Crown  and  back  blackish,  strongly  edged  with  red- 
dish-brown; an  ashy-gray  wash  on  the  breast,  with  nu- 
merous streaks  of  blackish.  Well  known  and  called  by 
a  great  variety  of  names,  of  which  Jack  Snipe  and 
Grass  Snipe  are  probably  the  most  common. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  migrates 
through  the  U.  S.  to  South  America. 


\ 


240. 


WHITE-RUMPED    SANDPIPER 
240.  Pisobia  fuscicollis.     7.5  in. 

Upper  tail  coverts  white;  below  white,  but  with  the 
throat  and  breast  streaked  with  dusky,  these  markings 
extending  on  the  sides  to  the  tail. 

Notes. — Musical  whistles  in  no  way  different  from 
those  of  the  Least  Sandpiper. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  in  grass  back  of  beaches;  eggs 
gray,  profusely  blotched  with  blackish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Labrador  and 
Hudson  Bay  northward;  migrates  through  the  U.  S. 
|  east  of  the  Rockies,  to  southern  South  America. 

BAIRD    SANDPIPER 
241.  Pisobia  bairdi.     7.5  in. 

Of  the  same  size,  form  and  general  coloration  as  the 
White-rumped  Sandpiper,  but  the  upper  tail-coverts  are 
blackish,  and  the  breast  is  only  very  faintly  streaked. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions,  and  migrates 
chiefly  through  the  interior,  but  to  some  extent  on  the 
coast,  south  to  southern  South  America. 


LEAST   SANDPIPER 
242.  Pisobia  minutilla.     6  in. 

Smallest  of  our  sandpipers.  Upperparts  blackish, 
edged  with  bright  chestnut;  breast  and  sides  ashy-gray, 
conspicuously  streaked  with  dusky. 

Notes. — A  musical  whistle,  "  peet-weet." 

Nest. — A  grass  lined  hollow:  eggs  grayish,  heavily 
blotched  with  blackish  brown  (1.15x.80). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Nova  Scotia  and  northern  Brit- 
ish Columbia  northward;  winters  from  the  Gulf  States 
and  California  southward. 

SEMIPALMATED    SANDPIPER 
246.  Ereunetes  pusillus.     6.25  in. 

Feet  with  small  webs  between  the  toes  at  their  base. 
Similar  in  size  and  form  to  the  Least  Sandpiper,  but 
the  upper  parts  are  not  as  bright  rusty,  and  the  breast 
is  only  faintly  streaked  with  dusky. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward. 

247.  WESTERN  SANDPIPER  (E.  mauri)  is  very 
similar;  more  rusty  above,  with  stronger  markings. 


154 


RED-BACKED    SANDPIPER 
243.  Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina.     8  in. 

Bill   slightly  decurved   and  rather  stout.     Adults  in 
mmmer,   with   the   upper    parts    largely   bright   rusty; 
belly    black;    head,    throat,    breast    and    sides    strongly 
streaked    with    black.      In    winter,    dull    brownish-gray 
above   and   white  below,  with   the  breast   washed  with 
rayish   and   slightly   streaked   with   dusky.     Found   in 
"     '  J  ™~-ific  coasts,  dur- 

t 
t 

act    as    if    governed    by    one    impulse.      They    are    very 
active,  feeding  for  a  short  time  in  one  place,  then  flying 
_   to  another.     They  are  found  most  abundantly  on  sand 

•  bars  and  mud  flats,  rather  than  on  the  open  beach. 

Nest. — Usually  on  dry,  grassy  knolls,  a  hollow  in  the 

•  earth  being  lined  with  a  few  dried  grasses.     Eggs  pale 
greenish  or  brownish  gray,  spotted  with  blackish.    (1.40 
x  1.00)  ;   June. 

Range. — Breeds    in    the    Arctic    regions,    and    winters 
from  the  Gulf  coast  and  southern  California,  southward. 


SANDERLING 

248.  Calidris  leucophcea.     8  in. 

Toes  short  and  stout;  no  hind  toe.  Adults  in  sum- 
mer, variegated  above  with  bright  reddish-brown  and 
black;  below  white,  the  breast  being  strongly  washed 
with  rusty  and  spotted  with  black.  In  winter,  plain 
grayish  above  and  white  below;  head  white,  except  the 
crown;  young  birds  are  like  winter  adults  but  have 
the  back  with  some  blackish.  In  the  interior  this  spe- 
cies is  found  on  the  edges  of  lakes  and  rivers.  On  the 
coast,  it  is  one  of  the  boldest  of  the  shore  birds,  feed- 
ing on  the  edge  of  the  outer  beach,  often  under  the  comb- 
ing crest  of  the  incoming  waves,  retreating  just  as  the 
wave  breaks  and  is  dashed  to  foam  on  the  beach.  They 
are  usually  wary  and  will  not  allow  a  close  approach. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  greenish-buff,  spotted 
with  black. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
to  Patagonia,  migrating  on  both  coasts  and  to  a  less 
extent  in  the  interior. 


MARBLED    GODWIT 
249.  Limosa  fedoa.     19  in. 

Bill  long  and  slightly  recurved.  Back,  wings  and  tail, 
rufous,  barred  with  black;  rump  usually  white,  with 
black  bars;  underparts  pale  rufous  with  narrow  bars; 
head  grayish,  with  black  streaks  on  the  crown  and 
sides.  Young  similar,  but  whiter  below  and  with  few 
or  no  bars.  These  large  waders  are  found  in  moderately 
large  flocks  both  in  the  interior  and  on  the  coast  in  the 
fall.  They  frequent  salt  marshes  on  the  coast,  and  the 
borders  of  ponds  and  lakes  in  the  interior.  They  are 
much  hunted  and  are  consequently  very  wary,  usually 
taking  wing  as  soon  as  anyone  appears' in  sight.  They 
are  readily  decoyed,  and  thousands  perish  annually  at 
the  hands  of  sportsmen.  They  are  known  by  many 
names,  Marlin  and  Straight-bill  Curlew  probably  being 
the  most  commonly  used. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Iowa  north  to 
Saskatchewan.  Winters  south  of  the  U.  S.,  migrating 
along  both  coasts  as  well  as  in  the  interior. 


HUDSONIAN    GODWIT 
251.  Limosa  hcemastica.     15  in. 

Bill  slightly  recurved;  tail  black  at  the  end,  and 
white  at  the  base,  not  barred  as  that  of  the  last  species 
always  is.  Above  blackish,  with  rusty  margins;  below 
deep  reddish-chestnut,  barred,  chiefly  on  the  sides,  with 
black.  In  winter,  similar  but  duller  both  above  and 
below,  with  only  traces  of  bars  on  the  flanks,  and  with 
the  breast  more  or  less  streaked.  This  species  is  more 
abundant  on  the  Atlantic  coast  during  migrations  than 
the  last.  It  is  most  often  known  as  the  Ring-tailed 
Marlin,  owing  to  a  very  strong  contrast  between  the 
black  tail,  white  rump  and  dark  upper  parts  as  the 
bird  flies.  They  are  usually  found  in  the  marshes  back 
of  the  ocean  beach,  and,  owing  to  their  large  size,  car 
be  seen  for  a  long  distance. 

Notes.— -A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest.-^A  grass  lined  hollow  in  marshes;  eggs  brown- 
ish buff,  blotched  with  blackish  (2.20x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
of  the  United  States,  migrating  chiefly  on  the  Atlantic 
coast,  but  to  some  extent  down  the  Miss.  Valley. 


158 


GREATER    YELLOW-LEGS 

254.  Totanus  mclanoleucus.     14  in. 

Bill  long  and  rather  slender;  legs  long  and  yellow  or 
greenish  yellow.  Head  and  neck  streaked  with  gray 
and  white;  back  black  margined  with  white;  rump 
white;  tail  barred  black  and  white;  underparts  white, 
washed  with  gray  on  the  breast,  and  with  numerous 
black  arrow-head  markings.  In  winter,  similar,  but 
with  no  black  markings  below. 

Notes. — A  loud  three-syllabled  whistle. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  portion  of  Miss.  Val- 
ley in  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  from  the  Gulf 
States  and  southern  California  southward. 

LESSER   YELLOW-LEGS 
255.  Totanus  flavipes.     10.5  in. 

Very  similar  in  form,  color  and  markings  to  the 
large  Yellow-legs,  but  smaller  in  every  way. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Canada,  north  to 
the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  possibly  in  northern  Miss.  Valley. 
Winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward,  migrating  in 
the  interior  and  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 


SOLITARY    SANDPIPER 

256.  Helodromas  solitarius.     8.5  in. 

Above  olive-grayish,  streaked  on  the  head  and  neck, 
and  sharply  speckled  on  the  back  and  wings,  with  white; 
tail  sharply  barred  with  black  and  white;  below  white, 
streaked  on  the  breast  and  barred  on  the  sides  with' 
gray  and  white.  In  winter,  with  fewer  white  markings/ 
on  the  back.  It  is  often  confused  with  the  Spotted 
Sandpiper  that  frequents  the  same  places,  but  should 
be  easily  identified  when  it  flies  by  its  barred  tail  and 
linings  of  the  wings.  They  have  the  habit,  common  to 
nearly  all  the  shore  birds,  of  elevating  their  wings  after 
alighting,  and  then  carefully  folding  them  on  the  back. 

Nest. — For  a  long  time  their  eggs  were  unknown,  but 
are  now  known  to  be  laid  in  the  nests  of  other  land 
birds,  at  low  elevations  in  trees  or  bushes  near  water. 
They  have  been  found  in  Manitoba  in  a  Waxwing's  nest. 
Eggs  bluish-green  with  blackish-brown  blotches. 


Range. — Breeds    from    Northern 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


U.    S.    northward; 


WILLET 

258.  Catophophorus  semipalmatus.     16  in. 

Bill  long  and  quite  stout;  feet  with  small  webs  be- 
tween the  bases  of  the  toes.  Upper  parts  brownish- 
gray,  more  or  less  speckled  with  black;  most  of  sec- 
ondaries and  bases  of  primaries  white,  very  conspicuous 
in  flight,  and  easily  distinguishing  it  from  any  other 
wader  of  its  size.  Usually  found  in  small  flocks  along 
the  edges  of  marshes;  they  are  said  to  be  quite  shy 
except  during  nesting  season,  and  to  be  difficult  to  de- 
coy. After  breeding  they  wander  northward  and  are 
often  seen  in  flocks  of  other  migrating  species.  When 
standing  on  the  beach  they  often  indulge  in  curious 
antics,  bowing  and  flirting  their  tails. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle,  "  pill-will-willet." 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  buffy,  blotched  with 
brown. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  New  Jersey;  later 
strays  to  Maina.  258a,  Western  Willet  (S.  s.  inornata) 
is  supposed  to  be  slightly  larger  and  paler.  Breeds 
from  Texas  to  Manitoba;  winters  along  the  Gulf  coast. 


BARTRAMIAN    SANDPIPER 
261.  Bartramia  longicauda.     12  in. 

Upper  parts  blackish  with  greenish-brown  edgings; 
tail  brownish  with  black  bars,  and  white  tips  to  the 
outer  feathers.  Underparts  white,  with  prominent  in- 
verted, black  arrow  head  markings  on  the  breast  and 
along  the  sides.  These  birds  are  more  often  known  as 
Upland  Plovers,  because  they  are  found  on  dry  hill- 
sides, rarely  near  water.  West  of  the  Miss,  they  are 
said  to  occur  in  large  flocks  in  the  Fall,  but  in  the  East, 
half  a  dozen  or  so  would  be  considered  a  fair  sized  flock. 
They  feed  upon  small  grasshoppers  and  other  small  in- 
sects, sometimes  chasing  them  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance before  securing  them.  They  are  shy  and  usually 
take  wing  as  soon  as  they  see  you. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  usually  concealed  in  clumps  of 
grass  or  weeds  in  the  middle  of  fields;  eggs  buffy, 
blotched  with  yellowish-brown  (1.75x1.25)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds    locally   in   the   northern   half   of   the 
United  States  and  Southern  Canada;   winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 
11 


BUFF-BREASTED    SANDPIPER 
262.  Tryngites  subruficollis.     8  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender.  General  color  above,  blackish- 
brown  margined  with  tawny;  underparts  buffy,  with  a 
few  black  specks  on  the  sides  of  the  breast.  Primaries 
blackish-brown  on  the  outer  webs,  the  inner  webs,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  secondaries,  being  whitish,  peculiarly 
speckled  with  black;  these  markings  are  characteristic 
and  are  found  on  no  other  of  our  shore  birds.  It  seems 
to  be  most  nearly  related  to  the  last  species,  and  like 
that,  is  often  found  on  hillsides  at  a  distance  from  water. 

Notes. — A  low,  weak  "  tweet." 

Nest. — A  scantily  lined  depression  on  the  ground;  the 
four  eggs  are  grayish-buff,  boldly  blotched  with  rich 
chestnut-brown  and'  black  ( 1.45  x  1.05)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Arctic  America:  winters  in  South 
America,  migrating  chiefly  through  the  interior  of  the 
United  States,  but  to  a  less  degree  on  the  coast. 


SPOTTED    SANDPIPER 

263.  Actitis  macularia.     7.5  in. 

Below  white,  with  round  blackish  spots,  heaviest  on 
the  breast  and  sides;  above  olive-brown  or  gray,  with 
faint  black  bars;  a  narrow  black  line  from  the  bill 
through  the  eye  to  the  ears.  Young  entirely  white 
below,  with  the  breast  faintly  tinged  with  gray.  These 
birds  are  abundant  and  breed,  locally  throughout  the 
United  States  and  the  greater  part  of  Canada.  One  or 
more  pairs  will  usually  be  found  nesting  in  the  fields 
about  all  small  ponds,  or  among  the  weeds  that  grow 
about  edges  of  pools  and  lakes.  They  have  a  peculiar 
habit  of  "  teetering,"  whether  standing  still  or  while 
feeding  on  the  banks  of  streams  or  ponds;  other  birds 
do  this  but  not  nearly  as  persistently  as  Spotted  Sand- 
pipers. 

Notes. — A  clear  "  peet-weet ;  "  also  a  single  melodious 
whistle. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  fields  or  near  the  edges 
of  pools  or  streams;  eggs  buffy,  boldly  spotted. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Hudson  Bay;  win- 
ters south  of  the  U.  S. 


LONG-BILLED    CURLEW 
264.  Numenius  americanus.     23  in. 

Bill  much  decurved  and  very  long  (4  to  8  in.),  the 
longest  of  any  of  our  shore  birds.  Plumage  variegated 
with  rufous  and  blackish  above;  bright  buffy  or  rufous 
below,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast,  and  barred  on  the 
sides  with  blackish.  "  Sickle-bills,"  as  these  birds  are 
often  called,  are  the  largest  of  our  shore  birds.  They 
are  very  conspicuous  either  when  flying  or  walking  on 
the  marshes  or  sandbars,  their  size  appearing  gigantic 
when  they  are  in  a  flock  of  smaller  plover,  as  sometimes 
happens.  They  fly  in  compact  flocks,  evidently  led  by 
one  individual,  for  they  wheel  and  circle  in  perfect 
unison,  sailing  up  in  the  wind  on  outspread  wings,  when 
about  to  alight. 

Notes. — A  flute-like  whistle,  u  ker-loo." 

Nest. — On  the  ground ;  eggs  green ish-buff,  with  small 
black  spots  over  the  whole  surface  (2.50x  1.80). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Upper  Miss.  Valley,  north  to 
Manitoba;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States,  and  southward; 
formerly  bred  on  the  South  Atlantic  coast;  strays  to 
New  England  and  New  Brunswick  in  the  fall. 


HUDSONIAN    CURLEW 
265.  ~Numcnius  hudsonicus.     17  in. 

Darker  brown  above,  than  the  Sickle-bill ;  crown  broad- 
ly striped  with  blackish  and  buff;  underparts  grayish, 
streaked  on  the  breast  and  barred  on  the  sides  with 
blackish.  This  and  the  succeeding  species  are  summer 
inhabitants  of  the  Arctic  regions,  being  found  within 
our  borders  only  for  a  short  time  in  the  Fall  and  Spring. 
It  is  found  in  fresh  and  salt  water  marshes,  as  well  as 
on  mud-flats  and  on  sandy  beaches  of  the  seashore. 
They  are  very  unsuspicious  and  are  easily  stalked,  or 
decoy  very  easily,  coming  to  wooden  caricatures  of  them- 
selves stuck  up  in  the  mud,  or  to  crude  imitations  of 
their  whistles;  consequently  large  numbers  of  them  are 
shot  and  they  are  becoming  scarce. 

Notes. — Similar  to  that  of  the  last. 

Nest. — Hollows  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses  and 
weeds;  eggs  buffy,  blotched  with  brownish-black  (2.25 
xl.60). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Winters  south 
of  the  United  States,  migrating  both  on  the  coast  and 
in  the  interior. 


166 


ESKIMO    CURLEW 
266.  yumenius  borealis.     13.5  in. 

Bill  comparatively  short  (about  2  in.)  and  little 
curved.  Above,  marked  similarly  to  the  last;  below 
white  or  pale  buff,  often  thickly  'covered  on  the  breast 
and  sides  with  streaks  and  arrow  head  markings  of 
blackish.  Primaries  and  most  of  the  secondaries  plain 
iwnish-black,  without  the  variegation  of  the  last  spe- 
cies. A  few  years  ago  this  was  considered  the  most 
abundant  of  the  curlews,  but  so  persistently  have  they 
11  hunted  that  they  are  now  practically  exterminated. 
\\  lu-n  it  comes  to  looking  after  their  "safety,  curlews 
are,  perhaps,  the  most  stupid  of  the  shore  birds  for  they 
do  not  seem  to  realize  the  dangerous  character  of  man- 
kind in  general,  and  they  have  paid  the  penalty.  I  trust 
that  all  sportsmen  will  refrain  from  shooting  these  birds. 

Nest. — Like  that  of  the  Hudsonian;  eggs  similar  but 
smaller. 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  in  the  Arctic  regions 
and  migrating  through  the  Plains,  Mississippi  Valley, 
and  to  a  less  extent  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  to  South 
America.  Very  rare  now  anywhere. 


PLOVERS— Family  Charadriidae 
BLACK-BELLIED    PLOVER 

270.  Squatarola  squatarola.     11.5  in. 

Hind  toe  very  small.  Bill  short  and  stout.  Adults 
in  summer  with  the  back,  wings  and  tail  barred  or 
marked  with  black  and  white;  top  of  head  and  nape 
white,  except  for  a  few  black  markings  on  the  crown; 
face,  throat,  breast  and  fore  part  of  belly,  black.  In 
winter,  brownish-black,  somewhat  mottled,  above;  below 
dull  white.  Young  similar  to  winter  adults,  but  the 
back  is  spotted  with  yellowish-white.  While  these  hand-' 
some  plover  migrate  to  some  extent,  and  sometimes  in 
large  flocks,  through  the  interior  of  the  United  States, 
they  are  chiefly  and  most  abundantly  found  on  the  coast. 
They  are  the  plover  most  eagerly  sought  by  gunners. 

Call. — A  plaintive  whistle,  "  ter-lee." 

Nest. — Grass-lined  hollows  in  marshes  or  dry  land, 
back  from  the  beach ;  eggs  greenish-buff,  spotted  with 
black. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters* in 
South  America,  migrating  through  the  U.  S.  in  Sept. 
and  May. 


AMERICAN    GOLDEN    PLOVER 
272.  Charadriys  dominions.     10.5  in. 

Xo  hind  toe.  Back  and  tail  mottled  with  black  and 
yellow;  below,  more  or  less  entirely  black  to  the  tail, 
i'oung  and  winter  adults,  more  or  less  spotted  with 
yellow  and  blackish-brown  above,  and  grayish-white  be- 
low, with  indistinct  streaks  on  the  breast.  Often  con- 
fused with  the  last  species  in  this  plumage,  but  is 
smaller,  bill  smaller  and  more  slender,  and  the  axillars, 
or  feathers  nearest  the  body,  under  the  wings,  are  gray 
while  those  ol  the  Black-bellied  Plover  are  black.  This 
species  is  now  regarded  as  rare  on  the  North  Atlantic 
coast  during  migrations,  while  in  the  interior  it  is  more 
abundant  than  the  last  species.  They  do  not  seem  to  be 
as  suspicious  as  the  Black-bellies,  and  a  flock  will  often 
allow  a  close  approach,  even  when  they  see  you. 

Nest. — Nesting  habits  like  those  of  the  last,  and  other 
shore  birds;  eggs  slightly  smaller  (1.90x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
to  South  America. 


KILLDEER 
273.  Oxyechus  vociferus.     10  in. 

No  hind  toe.  Rump  and  base  of  tail  reddish-brown; 
breast  crossed  by  two  black  bands.  Like  the  Spotted 
Sandpiper,  this  bird  is  locally  and  abundantly  distrib- 
uted throughout  the  United  States  and  Southern  Can- 
ada; it  is,  however,  rare  in  New  England,  where  it  is 
jometimes  found  in  the  Fall.  It  frequents  meadows, 
iields  and  ploughed  ground,  where  it  feeds  upon  insects, 
and  around  the  edges  of  pools  and  streams  where  it  gets 
small  shellfish  and  larvae.  As  usual,  they  will  attempt 
to  lead  an  intruder  away  from  their  nest  by  feigning 
lameness. 

Notes. — A  loud,  noisy  and  incessant  "  killdee," 

Nest. — A  slight  hollow  in  the  ground,  usually  in  a 
clump  of  weeds;  sometimes  lined  and  sometimes  not; 
the  four  eggs  are  greenish-buff,  heavily  blotched  with 
black. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  throughout  United  States,  ex- 
cept New  England,  and  southern  Canada;  winters  in 
southern  U.  S. 


SEMIPALMATED    PLOVER 
274.  JEgialitis  semipalmata.     1  in. 

Small  web  between  the  bases  of  the  two  outer  toes. 
Single  broad,  black  band  across  the  breast;  black  line 
from  base  of  bill  to  eye.  They  are  very  abundant  on 
our  seacoast  in  Fall,  both  in  flocks  composed  entirely  of 
their  own  kind,  and  also  with  Least  and  Semipalmated 
Sandpipers.  They  usually  keep  on  the  inner  side  of 
sandbars  or  muddy  flats  bordering  marshes,  rather  than 
on  the  open  ocean  beach.  It  is  also  found  in  smaller 
flocks,  about  ponds  and  marshes  in  the  interior  of  the 
country.  They  are  usually  unsuspicious  and  will  allow 
a  close  approach,  or  if  you  are  still,  will  run  by  within 
a  very  few  feet. 

Notes. — A  clear  double  whistle,  usually  uttered  when 
on  the  wing  or  when  alarmed.  They  decoy  to  an  imita- 
tion of  it. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  buffy,  sparsely  specked 
with  black.  ( 1.30  x  .90)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  north- 
ward; winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


PIPING    PLOVER 

277.  JEgialitis  meloda.     7  in. 

Very  pale  above;  no  black  in  front  of  eye;  black  patch 
on  each  side  of  breast.  Young  similar,  but  the  black 
replaced  by  grayish,  as  is  the  case  with  the  last  spe- 
cies. This  species,  apparently,  never  could  be  classed 
as  abundant  and  of  late  years,  it  is  becoming  rather 
rare  along  our  Atlantic  coast;  this  is  probably  more 
due  to  the  building  of  summer  resorts  and  homes  along 
their  former  breeding  grounds  than  to  hunters.  They 
are  rather  more  shy  than  the  last  species,  but  will  usu- 
ally attempt  to  escape  by  running  along  the  beach  or 
by  hiding,  rather  than  by  flight.  Owing  to  their  light 
colors  it  is  very  difficult  to  see  them  at  any  distance. 

Notes. — -A  two-syllabled  piping  whistle. 

Nest. — 4)n  the  ground;  eggs  buff  with  fine  black 
specks. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  coast  from  Va.  to  Newfound- 
land and  in  the  Mississippi  Valley. 


£78- 


SNOWY    PLOVER 
278.  JEgialitis  nivosa.     6.5  in. 

Very  small  and  very  pale  colored.  Small  black  patch 
on  either  side  of  the  breast,  on  ear  coverts,  and  on 
crown.  Bill  more  slender  but  longer  than  that  of  the 
Piping  Plover. 

Notes. — Low,  mournful,  piping  whistles. 

Range. — United  States  chiefly  west  of  the  Rockies, 
east  to  Kansas  and  north  to  Dakota. 

WILSON    PLOVER 

280.  Ochthodromus  wilsonius.     7.5  in, 

Bill  large  and  heavy  for  birds  of  this  genus.  A  black 
band  across  the  neck,  not  extending  to  the  back  of  the 
neck;  dark  line  between  eye  and  bill. 

Notes. — A  "  mixture  of  whistle  and  chirp,"  very  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  allied  plovers.  (Elliott). 

Nest. — A  shallow  hollow  in  the  sand,  sometimes  con- 
cealed by  short  beach  grass;  eggs  grayish,  spotted  and 
scratched  with  blackish  brown  ( 1.25  x. 95). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  and  South  Atlantic  coasts 
north  to  Virginia;  later  may  stray  to  Maine. 


MOUNTAIN    PLOVER 
281.  Podasocys  montanus.     9  in. 

No  black  on  breast  or  sides,  but  with  black  band  on 
top  of  head  and  a  black  line  from  bill  to  eye.  Above 
grayish-brown;  below  buffy  across  the  breast,  white  else- 
where. Mountain  or  Prairie  Plover,  as  they  are  often 
and  better  called,  are  abundant  on  the  western  prairies. 
Like  the  Bartramian  Sandpiper,  they  do  not  frequent 
the  vicinity  of  water,  but  live  and  get  their  food  in  the 
dry  grass-covered  districts.  They  are  not  at  all  shy 
where  they  are  not  hunted.  Like  all  the  family,  they 
are  very  fleet  on  foot,  and  may  often  be  seen  chasing 
grasshoppers  or  other  active  insects.  Their  flight  is 
very  rapid,  often  devious  and  usually  at  a  low  elevation. 

Notes. — A  single,  low,  musical  whistle. 

Nest.  — A  depression  in  the  ground,  anywhere  on  the 
prairie.  Eggs  brownish-gray,  blotched  with  blackish. 


Range. — West  of  the  Mississippi  River,  breeding  north 
to  Dakota.  Winters  from  Southwestern  United  States 
southward. 


TURNSTONE 
283.  Arcnaria  interpres.     9.75  in. 

Very  similar  to  the  next,  which  is  the  one  figured, 
but  slightly  larger,  and  with  black  prevailing  in  the 
upperparts.  This  is  the  Old  World  species,  found  in 
America  only  in  Labrador  and  Alaska. 

RUDDY    TURNSTONE 
283.1.  Arenaria  interpres  nwrinella.     9.5   in. 

Bill  short  and  stout,  the  upper  mandible  being 
straight,  so  that  the  bill  has  an  upturned  appearance. 
Legs  reddish  on  adult  birds  and  orange  on  young. 

Known  by  a  great  many  names,  referring  to  its  pe- 
culiarly pied  appearance:— Calico-bird,  Checkered-snipe, 
etc.  An  abundant  species  usually  found  on  pebbled 
beaches. 

Notes. — One  or  two  clear  whistles. 

Nest. — A  scantily  lined  hollow;  eggs  grayish,  beauti- 
fully marbled  with  brown,  lilac  and  blackish. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  legions;  winters  in 
Southern  South  America,  migrating  on  both  coasts. 


AMERICAN    OYSTER-CATCHER 

286.  Hcematopus  palliatus.     19  in. 

Bill  very  long,  heavy,  compressed,  and  thin  and  chisel- 
like  at  the  tip.  Bill  and  eye,  red;  legs  flesh  color. 
These  large,  awkward  looking  birds  are  not  scarce  on 
the  South  Atlantic  coast,  where  they  are  met  with  in 
pairs  or  small  companies.  They  run  with  great  swift- 
ness, or  walk  sedately  along  the  beaches  and  marshes 
gathering  insects  and  fiddler  crabs,  of  which  they  are 
very  fond.  They  are  said  to  have  got  their  name  from 
the  habit  of  eating  oysters  when  they  found  them  with 
the  shell  open,  a  practice  that  would  be  extremely  haz- 
ardous for  them  .  to  undertake,  as  these  shellfish  close 
their  two  valves  very  quickly  and  would  be  apt  to  catch 
the  bird.  Owing  to  their  large  size  they  are  frequently 
shot  at  and,  consequently,  are  usually  shy. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  sand;  the  two  or  three 
eggs  are  buffy,  spotted  with  blackish-brown  (2.20x 
1.50)  ;  May. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  coast  north  to  Virginia;  later 
may  stray  to  Nova  Scotia.  Winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


175 


MEXICAN    JACANA 
Jacana  spinosa.     8  in. 

A  very  peculiar  species.  Bill  plover-like;  at  the  base, 
terminating  in  a  leaf-like  sheaf  that  covers  the  fore- 
head; a  hard  spur  on  the  shoulder  of  each  wing;  legs 
and  toes  extremely  long,  the  toenails  being  abnormally 
so,  the  hind  nail  often  being  an  inch  and  a  half  long. 
Young  very  different  from  the  adult. — Grayish-brown 
above,  with  wings  greenish-yellow  as  in  adult;  below 
whitish,  darker  across  the  breast  and  on  the  sides;  a 
light  line  above  the  eye.  Jacanas  are  inhabitants  of 
marshy,  muddy  pools  and  ponds,  where  they  can  easily 
run  over  the  surface,  their  long  toes  getting  a  good 
foothold  on  the  floating  aquatic  plants.  They  are  said 
to  be  very  pugnacious  in  defence  of  their  young,  and  a^o 
to  fight  among  themselves  during  tin  mating  season. 

Nest. — Xests  made  of  weeds  and  trash,  on  little  float- 
ing islands  or  lily  pads.  3  to  5  olive  colored  eggs, 
curiously  scrawled*  with  black.  (1.20x.95);  May. 

Range. — Is  found  and  breeds  within  our  borders  only 
in  Southern  Texas. 


GROUSE,    PARTRIDGES,    ETC.— Order    Gallinae 

Family  Odontophoridae 
BOB- WHITE;     QUAIL;    VIRGINIA    PARTRIDGE 

289.  Colinus  mrginianus.     10  in. 

Male  with  white  throat,  bordered  with  black ;  female 
with  a  yellowish-brown  throat,  and  line  above  eye.  One 
of  the  most  popular  "  game  birds,"  so  popular  that  it 
is  exterminated  in  New  England,  and  birds  imported 
from  the  west  are  unable  to  regain  the  lost  foothold. 
Found  in  stubble  and  low  brush,  where  they  hide  until 
almost  stepped  upon.  They  feed  upon  insects  and  grain. 

Notes. — A  clear  whistled  "  bob- white  "  and  a  series  of 
low,  clear  whistles  when  in  flocks. 

Nest. — Of  grass  at  the  end  of  tunnel  in  tall  grass 
bordering  fields;  8  to  16  white  eggs  ( 1.20  x. 95)  ;  May. 

Range. — Resident  east  of  the  Rockies,  north  to  Minn, 
and  Ontario.  289a,  Fla.  Bob-white  (C.  v.  floridanus ) , 
found  in  southern  Florida  is  extremely  dark  (shown  on 
plate).  289b,  Texan  Bob-white  (C.  v.  texanus)  is  paler 
with  black  areas  wider. 
12 


SCALED    PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla  squamata.     10  in. 

With  a  whitish  or  buffy -white  crest;  plumage  bluish- 
gray,  with  darker  edges  giving  the  bird  the  appearance 
of  being  covered  with  scales.  The  female  is  more  brown- 
ish, but  is  marked  the  same  as  the  male.  These  birds 
are  locally  abundant  in  arid,  cactus-covered  deserts, 
often  at  a  distance  from  water,  and  frequently  in  com- 
pany with  Gambel  Partridge. 

Nest. — 8  to  15  eggs  are  laid  in  some  hollow  under  a 
low  bush  or  cactus;  they  are  creamy-white,  dotted  with 
minute  specks  of  pale  brown.  ( 1.25  x. 95);  April,  May. 

Range. — Mexico  north  to  Central  and  Western  Texas, 
New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 

293a.  Chestnut-bellied  Scaled  Partridge  (C.  s.  castano- 
gastris),  is  more  richly  colored  and  has  a  chestnut  patch 
on  the  middle  of  the  belly.  It  is  found  in  southern 
Texas  and  northeastern  Mexico. 


178 


GAMBEL    PARTRIDGE 

295.  Lophortyx  gambclii.     10  in. 

Head  with  an  elegant  recurved  crest  of  six  or  seven 
feathers;  normally  these  are  carried  in  one  packet  so 
that  there  appears  to  be  but  one  feather,  but  when  ex- 
cited, or  during  the  mating  season,  they  may  separate 
the  feathers,  or  sometimes  curve  them  forward  so  as  to 
touch  the  bill.  Hindhead  and  sides  chestnut,  throat  and 
middle  of  belly  black.  Female  with  the  throat  light 
and  hindhead  gray;  crest  small;  no  black  on  belly.  An 
abundant  species  both  in  mountains,  valleys  or  deserts, 
near  or  remote  from  water.  Habits  like  those  of  the 
eastern  Bob-white,  but  instead  of  taking  wing,  they  will 
generally  run. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground  under  any  suitable 
cover;  creamy-white,  handsomely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Resident  in  western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and 
Arizona,  north  to  southern  Utah  and  Nevada. 


MEARNS    OR    MASSENA    PARTRIDGE 
296.  Cyrtonyx  montezumce  mcarnsi.     9  in. 

Bill  very  stout  and  compressed.  Crest  large,  puffy 
and  flat.  'Markings  on  the  male  very  grotesque  and 
clownish;  general  color  of  the  female,  pinkish  brown 
with  streaks  of  black,  and  white  specks,  below,  and 
barred  and  streaked  above.  These  strange  birds  are 
very  local  in  their  distribution  in  the  southwest,  rare 
in  some  localities  and  occurring  in  quite  large  flocks  in 
others.  They  are  so  confiding  in  their  disposition,  that 
this,  in  connection  with  their  clownish  plumage,  has 
given  them  the  name  of  "  Fool "  Quail.  They  frequent 
dry  deserts,  valleys,  or  mountains  up  to  an  elevation  of 
at*  least  8,000  feet.  When  startled,  they  often  squat 
down,  and  can  almost^be  caught  in  the  hand,  but  when 
they  do  fly,  their  flight  is  very  rapid,  and  accompanied 
with  a  peculiar  clucking  noise. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses, 
and  concealed  in  clumps  of  weeds  or  grass.  Their  eggs, 
like  those  of  other  partridges,  are  numerous,  pure  white, 
and  not  as  sharply  pointed  as  those  of  the  Bob-white. 

Range. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 


DUSKY    GROUSE 
297.  Dendragapus  obscurus.     20  in. 

Plumage  gray,  white  and  black,  with  a  few  rusty 
markings  on  the  back;  wide  gray  band  on  tip  of  tail. 
Female  smaller,  browner  and  more  barred  above.  These 
large  grouse  are  found  on  side  hills  or  in  gulches,  usu- 
ally not  far  from  water.  Like  our  common  Ruffed 
Grouse,  during  mating  season,  the  males  of  this  species 
strut  about  with  tail  fully  spread  over  the  back,  and 
head  thrown  back  until  it  nearly  touches  the  tail.  At 
this  season  they  are  very  pugnacious  and  the  woods  will 
resound  with  their  challenging  "  toots," — loud  and  hol- 
low sounds  with  a  ventriloquial  effect. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  ground  in  woods,  usually  under 
fallen  logs  or  at  the  bases  of  trees;  buffy,  sparsely 
spotted  with  brown.  (2.00x1.40)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Rocky  Mts.,  from  Mexico  to  Montana  and 
east  to  South  Dakota.  297b.,  Richardson  Grouse  ( D.  o. 
richardsonii) ,  is  found  on  the  eastern  slopes  of  the 
Rockies,  north  to  British  America.  Little  or  no  band 
on  the  tail. 


HUDSONIAN    SPRUCE   GROUSE 
208.  Canachites  canadensis.     15  in. 

Very  similar  to  the  next,  which  is  our  common  spe- 
cies, but  the  female  is  not  quite  as  rusty.  Found  in 
Labrador  and  about  Hudson  Bay. 

CANADA    GROUSE;    SPRUCE    GROUSE 
298c.  C.  c.  canacc.     15  in. 

Male  black  and  grayish;  female  chiefly  rusty,  barred 
with  black.  The  Spruce  Grouse  is  usually  found  in 
dense  thickets  and  groves  or  swamps  of  evergreen  woods. 
It  is  one  of  the  least  suspicious  of  birds,  and  in  winter, 
is  sometimes  knocked  down  by  sticks  in  the  hands  of 
deer  hunters.  Their  flesh  is  unfit  to  eat  and  conse- 
quently they  are  not  hunted. 

Notes. — A  drumming,  said  to  be  produced  by  the 
wings,  when  in  the  air;  a  clucking  by  the  female. 

West. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground,  usually  under  low, 
spreading  branches  of  spruces;  bright  buff  with  bold 
black  blotches.  ( 1 .70  x  1 .25 ) . 

Range. — Northern  New  England,  New  York  and  Min- 
nesota, northward. 


RUFFED    GROUSE 

300.  Bonassa  umbellus.     17  in. 

Crested  and  with  two  large,  black,  neck-ruffs;  plum- 
age brown,  black  and  white.  Female  with  the  ruffs 
smaller  and  usually  brownish.  These  grouse  have  two 
color  phases,  the  general  tone  of  plumage  being  either 
reddish  brown  or  gray,  independent  of  age  or  sex  of 
bird.  These  naturally  wild,  shy  grouse  are  the  kings 
of  the  eastern  game  birds,  their  wariness  and  speed  with 
which  they  will  dodge  through  the  trees  being  the  only 
reasons  they  have  so  long  withstood  the  hunting  to 
which  they  are  subjected.  During  spring,  the  male 
struts  often,  tail  expanded  into  a  half  circle,  head 
thrown  back  to  meet  the  upturned  tail,  and  ruff  spread 
so  as  to  form  a  complete  collar.  They  make  a  loud 
drumming  by  beating  the  air  with  their  wings. 

Nest.— Eggs  on  leaves  in  the  woods;  plain  brownish- 
buff  (1.55x1.15). 

Range. — Resident  from  Va.  and  Ark.  north  to  south- 
ern Canada.  300a.,  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse  (B.  u. 
togata),  is  found  in  the  southern  British  provinces  and 
northern  New  England. 


WILLOW    PTARMIGAN 

301.  Lagopus  lagopus.     15  in. 

In  winter,  white  with  black  tail  feathers.  In  sum- 
mer, usually  reddish-brown  with  black  bars.  This 
species  has  a  much  stouter  bill  than  the  next. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground.  Rich  buffy,  so  heav- 
ily blotched  and  streaked  with  black  as  to  nearly  con- 
ceal  it.  (1.75x  1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  Canada,  mi- 
grating southward  to  southern  Canada. 

301a.,  Allen  Ptarmigan  (L.  1.  alleni),  found  in  New- 
foundland, is  similar,  but  in  winter  the  shafts  of  the 
primaries  are  always  black. 

ROCK    PTARMIGAN 

302.  Lagopus  rupestris.     14  in. 

In  winter,  like  the  last  species,  except  that  the  bill 
is  smaller,  and  the  lores  are  black. 

Range. — From  the  Gulr  of  St.  Lawrence  and  north- 
ern British  Columbia  northward.  302a.  Reinhardt 
Ptarmigan,  replaces  the  last  variety  in  northern  Labra- 
dor. 303.  Welch  Ptarmigan  ( L.  welchi ) ,  found  in  New- 
*oundlaiul.  is  said  to  be  crayer  in  summer. 


PRAIRIE    HEN;    PINNATED    GROUSE 
305.  Tympanuchus  americanus.     18  in. 

Tufts  of  neck  feathers  rounded  or  square  at  the 
ends,  long  on  the  males,  and  short  on  the  females. 
Above,  barred  with  brownish-black  and  white  or  buffy 
white,  the  bars  being  of  about  equal  width;  top  of 
head  barred  black  and  grayish.  Female  differs  from 
the  male  in  having  the  tail  feathers  barred,  whereas 
they  are  black  in  the  male.  Found  locally  throughou 
the  prairie  regions  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  north  to 
Manitoba.  Owing  to  the  immense  numbers  shot  for 
sale  in  eastern  markets,  they  have  become  exterminated 
in  many  places  where  they  were  formerly  abundant.  Male 
birds  have  a  loose  sac  or  naked  skin  beneath  the  tufts 
of  feathers  on  the  neck;  they  inflate  these  to  the  size  of 
small  oranges,  and  then  produce  a  loud,  hollow,  reso- 
nant booming  sound. 

Nest. — Anywhere  on  the  ground  on  the  prairie;  eggs 
olive-buff,  finely  specked  with  brown. 

Range. — From  La.  and  Tex.  north  to  Manitoba  and 
Dakota.  305.  Attwater  Prairie  Hen,  smaller  and 
darker,  is  found  in  Louisiana  and  Eastern  Texas. 


186 


HEATH    HEN 
306.  Tympanuchus  cupido.     17  in. 

Xeck  feathers  pointed;  scapulars  more  broadly 
tipped  with  white;  axillars  always  barred;  top  of  head 
paler  and  always  brownish.  These  differences  will 
always  separate  this  species  from  the  very  similar 
western  bird.  They  were  formerly  found  throughout 
Southern  New  England  and  the  Middle  States,  their 
range  meeting  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen,  but  now  they 
are  restricted  to  the  island  of  Martha's  Vineyard,  south 
of  Mass.,  and  probably  the  true  form  is  extinct  there, 
for  western  birds  have  been  liberated  on  the  island  and 
interbred  with  the  natives. 

LESSER    PRAIRIE    HEN 
307.  Tympanuchus  pallidiciiictns.     16  in. 

Nearest  like  the  prairie  hen  but  paler  above,  the 
In-own  bars  being  narrower  and  lighter  colored,  but 
with  the  edges  blackish,  giving  the  back  of  the  bird 
a  very  different  appearance  from  thr.t  of  the  Prairie 
Hen.  "it  is  found  in  western  Kansas,  Indian  Territory 
and  Texas. 


PRAIRIE    SHARP-TAILED    GROUSE 

308b.  Pedicecetes  phasianellus  campestris.     18  in. 

No  pinnates  or  ruffs  on  the  neck,  but  the  head  is 
crested  a  little  more  than  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen; 
tail  with  the  central  feathers  nearly  two  inches?  longer 
than  the  rest,  which  are  also  graduated  so  the  outside 
ones  are  much  the  shortest.  Plumage  much  paler 
than  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen,  and  feathers  on  the 
breast  and  sides  being  marked  with  blackish  loops. 
Found  in  more  or  less  abundance  on  the  plains  and 
prairies  west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  In  mating  sea- 
son flocks  of  them  indulge  in  curious  antics,  dancing, 
ruffling  their  feathers,  and  cooing  and  crowing. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  in  a  hollow  in  the  ground,  usually 
sheltered  by  a  tuft  of  grass  or  bunch  of  weeds.  The 
eggs  are  brownish-drab,  finely  specked,  over  the  whole 
surface,  with  blackish-brown.  ( 1.70  x  1.25 ). 

Range.— -West  of  the  Miss.  River,  from  New  Mex- 
ico and  Indian  Territory  north  to  Manitoba.  308. 
Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  is  found  in  the  interior  of  Brit- 
ish America  from  Hudson  Bay  to  Alaska.  Darker 
and  less  rusty  than  the  preceding. 


SAGE    GROUSE 

309.  Centrocercus  urophasianus.     29   in. 

'he  female  of  this  large  and  very  interesting  grouse, 
'ers  from  the  male  only  in  its  smaller  si/e  and  paler, 
ler  plumage.  They  are  found  in  abundance  on  the 
sagebrush-covered  plains  about  the  Rocky  Mts.  and 
the  westward.  In  summer  they  feed  largely  upon 
sects  and  buds  of  various  plants,  but  in  fall  and 
winter,  their  food  is  almost  entirely  the  leaves  of  the 
sagebrush;  at  this  season,  in  consequence,  their  flesh 
is  unfit  to  eat,  so  they  are  not  hunted  for  market,  and 
are  able  to  pursue  a  life  of  quiet  as  far  as  man  is 
concerned.  In  spring,  they  indulge  in  amusing  play, 
as  do  all  the  grouse;  they  have  a  few  wiry  hairs  on 
either  side  of  the  neck,  covering  the  naked  sacs  that 
correspond  to  those  of  the  Prairie  Hen;  they  strut 
about  with  these  sacs  inflated,  and  their  spread  tail, 
erect,  making  peculiar  buzzing  sounds. 

Nest. — Eggs    laid    on    the    ground    under    sagebrush ; 
greenish-buff,  spotted  rather  sparingly  with  brown. 

Range. — Sagebrush   covered   plains  from   New  Mexico 
to  Southern  British  Columbia  and  Assiniboia 


Family  Meleagridae 

WILD    TURKEY 

310.  Meleagres  gallopavo  silve sir-is.     48  in. 

Female  much  smaller  and  duller  colored  than  the 
male.  These  fine,  large  birds  frequent  woodlands  and 
borders  of  streams,  where  they  search  through  the  un- 
derbrush for  food  in  the  daytime  and  sleep  in  the  tall- 
est trees  at  night.  They  are  one  of  the  shyest  birds, 
and  they  have  reasons  for  being,  for  they  have  been 
hunted  until  there  are  none  left  in  New  England  and 
northern  Middle  States.  Wild  Turkeys  strut  and  gob- 
ble precisely  like  domestic  ones.  Their  plumage  is 
more  of  a  coppery  bronze  color  and  their  upper  tail 
coverts  are  rusty,  without  white  edges. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground  among  leaves,  usu- 
ally in  dense  thickets;  buff,  spotted  with  brown.  (2.55 
xl.90). 

Range.— From  Penn.  and  Ohio  south  to  the  Gulf 
States  west  to  Arkansas.  310b.,  Florida  Wild  Tur- 
key, found  in  Florida,  is  smaller.  310c.,  Rio  Grande 
Turkey,  is  found  in  southern  Texas;  it  has  upper  tail- 
coverts  edged  with  buff. 


RING-NECKED    OR    MONGOLIAN    PHEASANT 

***     Phasianus  torquatus 

The  male  of  this  heautiful  pheasant  varies  greatly 
in  length  according  to  the  development  of  the  tail, 
sometimes  being  36  in.  in  length;  the  female  aver- 
ages about  22  in.  and  is  plain  colored,  but  still  a 
very  handsome  bird.  Males  vary  greatly  in  the  rich- 
ness of  their  colors,  and  in  the  width  of  the  white 
collar  on  the  neck,  the  latter  depending  upon  the  ex- 
tent to  which  they  have  been  interbred  with  the  Eng- 
lish  Pheasant,  the  latter  bird  having  no  white  on  the 
neck.  These  pheasants  have  been  introduced  in  Ore- 
gon and  Washington  and  are  very  abundant  there  now. 
Attempts  at  introducing  them  in  the  East  have  not  been 
as  successful,  but  in  some  private  preserves  they  are 
doing  well.  They  are  rather  sluggish  in  their  habits, 
compared  to  our  Ruffed  Grouse,  and  usually  try  to 
escape  by  running  or  hiding  rather  than  by  taking  wing: 
1  when  they  do  fly,  they  go  in  a  straight  line  and  rather 
slowly. 


190 


FAMILY    CRACIDJE 

CHACHALACA 
311.  Ortalis  vetula  mccalli.    21  in. 


Plumage    olive-brown    above,    and    gray    below;    head 
rested;     sides    of    head    and    chin,    naked,    orange-red. 


Nest. — A  frail  platform  of  sticks,  placed  in  scrub- 
by brush  or  bushes,  a  few  feet  above  the  ground.  They 
lay  four  white  or  buffy-white  eggs,  the  shell  of  which 
is  very  rough  and  hard  (2.25x1.55);  April. 

Range. — Eastern  Mexico  north  to  southern  Texas. 


191 


192 


PIGEONS   AND    DOVES— Order  Columbae 

Family  Columbidae 

PASSENGER   PIGEON 

315.  Ectopistes  migratorius.     16  in. 

Head  and  back  bluish-slate;  below,  rich  rusty  brown. 
Only  a  few  years  ago,  up  to  1880,  they  were  extremely 
abundant  in  eastern  North  America.  Seemingly  incred- 
ible stories  are  told  of  the  immense  flocks  and  roosting 
places  of  these  birds,  and  most  of  them  are  authentic. 
It  is  unfortunate  that  the  camera  was  not  extensively 
used  then,  so  we  have  no  visual  records  of  them.  A 
nesting  place  in  Michigan  is  described  as  28  miles  in 
length  by  about  four  in  width,  and  every  tree  in  the 
woods,  throughout  this  whole  tract,  had  several  nests, 
and  some  were  filled  with  them.  Flocks  darkening  the 
sky  and  covering  several  square  miles  are  recorded. 
And,  today,  but  one  or  two  stragglers  are  reported  in 
a  year,  and  these  are  usually  doubtful.  They  were 
shot  and  netted  at  their  roosting  and  nesting  places, 
barreled  up  and  sent  to  market  for  sale,  this  continuing 
so  long  as  there  were  birds  enough  to  make  it  profit- 
able, and  we  reap  the  result — no  birds. 


MOURNING   DOVE 

316.  Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis.     12   in. 

Upperparts  olive-brown;  below,  buffy-gray;  a  small 
black  mark  on  the  ears  above  the  iridescent  neck  patch. 

These  birds  never  flock  as  Passenger  Pigeons  did, 
traveling  in  companies  of  six  to  a  dozen,  and  they  have 
no  common  nesting  or  roosting  places,  but  nest  any- 
where in  the  woods,  orchards  or  vines.  As  they  are 
not  often  hunted,  they  are  not  shy,  and  in  some  local 


not  oiten  nuniea,  uiey  are  not  sny,  ana  in  some  local-  i 

ities  are  very  tame,  especially  when  they  are  breeding.  9 

Their  food  consists  of  seeds,  grain,  berries  and  insects,  • 

most  of  which  they  get  from  the  ground.     They   nest  m 


either  in  trees,  bushes  or  on  the  ground,  most  often 
the  former.  Their  nests  are  very  frail  platforms,  com- 
posed of  only  a  few  twigs  and  rootlets;  when  on  the 
ground,  usually  no  nest  is  made.  Their  two  eggs  are 
pure  white,  as  are  those  of  all  doves.  They  are  loving 
birds,  always  cooing  to  each  other,  and  are  very  atten- 
tive to  their  young  until  they  are  full  grown. 

Range. — Breeds    throughout    the    United    States    and 
southerr    Canada,    excfept   northern    New    England    and 
the  Provinces. 
13 


WHITE-FRONTED    DOVE 

318.  Leptotila   fulviventris    brachyptera.     12    i1? 

No  black  ear-mark;  under  wing  coverts  rusty  cnest^ 
nut.  Forehead  whitish;  all  but  central  pair  of  tail 
feathers  tipped  with  white. 

Nest. — Indistinguishable  from  that  of  the  next  species. 

Range. — Central  America  and  Mexico,  north  in  Feb- 
ruary to  valley  of  Lower  Rio  Grande. 

WHITE-WINGED    DOVE 
319.  Melopelia  asiatica.     12  in. 

Large  black  patch  on  the  ears:  tail  only  moderate- 
ly long,  and  broadly  rounded,  with  large  white  ends 
to  the  outer  feathers.  Besides  the  regular  cooing  notes, 
common  to  doves,  this  species  has  a  peculiar  song  lik- 
ened by  some,  to  the  first  attempts  at  crowing,  of  a 
young  rooster. 

Nest. — A  shabby  platform  of  twigs,  lined  with  bits 
of  weeds,  moss  and  leaves;  placed  at  any  height  from 
the  ground  in  bushes,  trees  or  cacti.  Eggs  white. 

Range. — Texas,  Xew  Mexico,  Arizona  and  casually 
southern  Florida,  southward. 


GROUND    DOVE 
320.  Chcetncpelia  passerina  terrcstris.     6.75  in. 

Size  very  small;  tail  short  and  nearly  square.  Back 
of  head  blue-gray;  forehead  and  most  of  underparts 
pinkish.  Bill,  feet  and  eye,  more  or  less  red. 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  twigs,  lined  with  pine 
needles;  placed  usually  at  few  elevations  in  bushes. 
The  two  eggs  are  pure  white. 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States;  abundant 
near  the  coasts;  winters  throughout  its  range. 

320a.,  Mexican  Ground  Dove,  found  from  Texas  to 
California,  is  slightly  paler  than  the  eastern  species. 

INCA   DOVE 

312.  Scardafella  inca.     8  in. 

Tail  long,  with  the  outer  feathers  tipped  with  white, 
and  shorter  than  the  middle  ones.  Feathers  mostly 
margined  with  brownish-black.  The  bases  of  the  pri- 
maries are  bright  chestnut,  and  the  whole  underwing 
is  of  that  color;  bill  black;  eye  and  feet  reddish. 

Range. — Southern  Texas,  southern  Arizona  and  south- 
ern New  Mexico. 


196 


VULTURES,    HAWKS    AND    OWLS— Order    Raptores 
AMERICAN     VULTURES— Family     Cathartidae 

TURKEY   VULTURE    OR   BUZZARD 
325.  Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis.    30  in. 

Head  naked;  red  or  carmine:  bill  dull  whitish;  eyes 
brown;  feet  pinkish.  Plumage  blackish-brown. 

Nest. — Their  two  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  ground,  be- 
tween rocks,  under  logs,  or  in  hollow  trees;  they  are 
whitish,  handsomely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  north  to  New  Jersey, 
Illinois,  Minnesota  and  British  Columbia. 

BLACK   VULTURE 
326.  Catharista  urubu.     24  in. 

Entire  plumage,  including  the  naked  head,  black; 
feet  and  tip  of  bill  yellowish.  Under  surface  of  the 
wings  white,  making  it  very  easy  to  identify. 

Nest. — Two  eggs,  greenish-white,  blotched  with  brown- 
ish. (3.00x2.00). 

Range. — Resident  north  to  North  Carolina,  southern 
Illinois  and  Kansas. 


FALCONS,    HAWKS    AND    EAGLES— Family    Falcon- 

idae 

SWALLOW-TAILED    KITE 
327.  Elanoides  forficatus.    24  in. 

Tail  long  and  deeply  forked;  plumage  white,  and 
glossy  black;  feet  short  but  stout;  bill  black,  with 
cere  and  feet  bluish-gray.  The  flight  of  these  birds 
is  very  swift  and  swallow-like;  at  times  they  circle 
about  for  long  periods,  on  motionless  wings;  at  others, 
they  will  be  seen  swooping  over  marshes  and  low 
ground;  the  evolutions  they  perform  during  the  mating 
season  are  wonderful  to  behold,  floating,  sailing,  dou- 
bling and  turning,  in  all  imaginable  positions,  as 
though  they  were  a  part  of  the  air  itself. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistled  "  peet-peet." 

Nest. — Composed  of  twigs,  lined  with  moss  and  root- 
lets; usually  located  in  the  tops  of  trees  at  great 
heights;  90  to  125  feet  from  the  ground  not  being 
uncommon;  eggs  pale  bluish-white,  very  handsomely 
marked  with  brown.  (1.85x1.5). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Virginia,  Manitoba  and  Min- 
nesota; winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


328. 


WHITE-TAILED    KITE 
328.  Elanus  Icucnrus.     10  in. 

Head,  underparts  and  tail,  white:  shoulders  black: 
upperparts  gray.  Young,  with  the  back  tinged  with 
rusty.  Their  food  consists  largely  of  snakes,  but  they 
also  eat  a  great  many  small  rodents  and  insects. 

Nest. — Made  of  sticks,  weeds  and  leaves,  and  placed 
in  trees  at  quite  an  elevation  from  the  ground;  eggs 
creamy  white,  profusely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Texas  to  central  California,  and  less  often 
east  of  the  Miss.  River,  north  to  South  Carolina. 

MISSISSIPPI   KITE 
329.  Ictinia   misMssippiensis.     14  in. 

Head,  underparts  and  ends  of  secondaries,  bluish- 
gray.  Lores  and  tail  black:  back  dark;  eyes  red. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  weeds  in  the  tops  of  tall  trees; 
eggs  bluish  white,  usually  unmarked,  but  occasionally 
with  a  few  brownish  specks.  (1.65x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina,  southern 
Illinois  and  Kansas;  winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


EVERGLADE    KITE 
330.  Rostrhamus  sociabilis.     15   in. 

Bill  very  slender  and  much  hooked,  the  lower  mandi- 
ble being  decurved  somewhat,  to  match  the  upper;  the 
cutting  edge  of  the  bill  without  a  tooth  or  notch, 
as  most  hawks  and  kites  have.  Lores  naked  and  yel- 
lowish, like  the  cere;  eyes  red.  Plumage  blackish;  rump 
and  bases  of  outer  tail  feathers,  as  well  as  tip  white. 
This  tropical  species  is  found  in  the  United  States,  only 
in  the  southern  half  of  Florida,  in  the  densest  swamps, 
being  fairly  abundant  in  the  Everglades.  They  are  said 
to  feed  exclusively  upon  a  certain  species  of  water  snail, 
and  each  bird  has  a  particular  perch  to  which  he  takes 
every  snail  he  captures,  and  after  skillfully  extracting 
the  animal  with  its  curiously  modified  beak,  it  drops 
the  shell  on  the  mound  beneath.  (Bendire). 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  lined  with  leaves  and  weeds,  placed 
at  low  elevations  in  bushes  or  underbrush,  often  over 
water;  eggs  pale  greenish-white,  spotted  with  brown. 

Range. — Southern  Florida. 


190 


200 


MARSH    HAWK 
331.  Circus  hudsonius.     19  in. 

Upper  tail  coverts  and  base  of  tail  white.  Male, 
blue-gray  above;  below  whitish,  streaked  and  barred 
with  rusty.  Female  and  young. — Above  rusty  brown- 
ish-black; below  rusty  with  dusky  streaks  on  the  breast 
and  sides.  As  shown  by  its  name,  this  hawk  is  found 
most  abundantly  in  or  around  marshes  or  wet  meadows. 
I  have  found  them  especially  abundant  in  boggy  marshes 
such  as  frequented  by  bitterns.  Their  flight  is  quiet 
and  owl-like,  and  as  they  do  most  of  their  feeding 
toward  dusk,  they  often  seem  like  owls  as  they  flit 
v  without  a  sound.  Their  food  is  composed  chiefly  of 
neadow  mice  and  moles,  which  they  spy  and  dash 
own  upon  as  they  fly*  at  low  elevations. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistle  when  their  nest  is  ap- 
iroached. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,   on   the   ground   in  marshes;    four 

lain  bluish-white  eggs.      (1-80x1.40);   May,  June. 

Range.-^Breeds  loyally  in  the  whoi~  of  the  United 
States  and  Canada,  north  to  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in 
the  southern  half  of  the  United  States. 


SHARP-SHINNED    HAWK 
332.  Accipiter  velox.     12  in. 

This  little  hawk,  so  near  like  the  Cooper,  is  one  of 
the  most  active  of  the  family,  and  from  this  fact  it 
gets  its  name  velox,  meaning  swift.  It  is  often  seen 
in  woods,  orchard,  or  even  about  buildings  in  large 
cities,  in  which  latter  places,  it  does  good  service  in 
catching  English  Sparrows.  If  they  would  confine 
their  food  to  these  birds,  no  one  would  object,  but  un- 
fortunately they  will  take  any  little  bird  that  comes 
within  their  reach,  or  that  they  are  able  to  catch. 
They  are  one  of  the  very  few  hawks  that  do  live 
largely  upon  birds,  and  even  they  destroy  a  great  • 
many  mice. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  three-syllabled  whistle. 

Nest. — A  rude  and  usually  frail  structure  of  twigs, 
placed  in  branches  of  trees,  usually  at  quite  low  ele- 
vations (15  ft.).  Eggs  white,  beautifully  blotched  with 
brown.  (1,45x1.15). 


Breeds  chiefly  in  nprtliej-n  U.  S.  and  Canada  j 
winters  throughout  tfre  United  States. 


201 


202 


COOPER    HAWK 
333.  Accipiter  cooperi.     16  in. 

This  hawk  is  a  large  edition  of  the  last  species.  All 
hawks  vary  in  size,  this  one  and  the  last,  perhaps, 
more  than  any  others.  Female  hawks  are  always  the 
largest.  A  large  female  of  the  Sharp-shinned  variety. 
is  often  as  large  as  a  small  male  Cooper,  but  the 
crown  of  the  Cooper  is  darker  than  that  of  the  Sharp- 
shinned,  and  his  tail  is  always  rounded,  while  that  of 
the  last  species  is  nearly  square  at  the  end.  This  is 
also  a  destructive  species;  it  is  usually  one  of  these 
two  hawks,  or  the  Goshawk,  that  is  responsible  for 
the  ill-feeling  with  which  farmers  regard  all  of  the 
family.  All  small  hawks  are  known  to  farmers  as 
"  Chicken  Hawks,"  and  large  ones  as  "  Hen  Hawks," 
but  the  majority  of  our  hawks  rarely  disturb  fowls. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  in  crotches  of  trees,  usually  quite 
high  up;  often  old  crows  nests  are  used;  eggs  bluish- 
white,  unmarked  or  verv  faintly  specked  with  brown. 
(1.90x1.45)  ;  April. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  north  to  southern 
Canada;  winters  from  Mass,  and  Oregon  southward. 


AMERICAN    GOSHAWK 
334.  Astur  atricapillus.     23   in. 

Adults,  above  bluish-slate,  darkest  on  the  crown: 
a  whitish  line  over  the  eye;  below  white,  finely  waved 
with  gray.  Young,  brownish-black,  with  lighter  edg- 
ings to  the  feathers;  below  whitish,  streaked  with 
blackish-brown.  Young  birds  can  easily  be  distin- 
guished from  those  of  any  other  species  by  their  large 
size  and  the  long  tail.  This  handsome  species  is  one 
of  the  most  rapacious  and  destructive  of  our  birds 
of  prey.  Their  short  wings  and  long  tail  enable  them 
to  glide  among  the*  thickest  foliage  with  great  speed. 
and  even  the  Ruffled  Grouse  cannot  escape  them.  In 
the  north  where  they  live  in  summer,  they  destroy 
great  numbers  of  Ptarmigan  and  Spruce  Grouse,  and 
come  to  us  in  the  winter  with  their  appetite  whetted 
for  a  diet  of  poultry  and  our  game  birds,  being  ex- 
ceedingly bold  in  their  capture.  ig 

Nest. — Of  sticks  lined  with  weeds  and  bark,  in  tall' 
trees;  eggs  white,  unmarked. 

Range. — Breeds  throughout  Canada;  winters  in  the 
northern  half  of  the  United  States. 


203 


204 


HARRIS    HAWK 
335.  Parabuteo  unicinctus  harrisi.     20  in. 

Tail  coverts,  base  and  tip  of  tail,  white.  Adults 
with  the  shoulders,  thighs  and  under  wing-coverts,  red- 
dish-brown. Young  with  rusty  edgings  to  feathers  on 
the  back;  below,  rusty  buff  with  blackish  spots  or 
streaks;  thighs  barred 'with  blackish.  Space  in  front 
of  eye,  bare  except  for  stiff  hair-like  bristles,  yellow- 
ish like  the  cere.  This  species  is  the  connecting  link 
between  the  vultures  and  hawks  of  the  genus  buteo. 
Its  feedings  habits  are  similar  tot  those  of  the  vul- 
tures, with  which  it  often  associates  when  feeding  upon 
carrion.  They  are  very  sluggish  birds  and  their  flight 
is  slow  and  heavy;  when  not  feeding  they  are  usually 
perched  on  one  foot  on  some  dead  limb,  dozing. 

Nest. — Made    of    sticks,    twigs    and    weeds,    placed    in 
bushes    or    low    trees.      Their    three    or    four    eggs    are 
ull  white,  unmarked   (2.10x1.65). 

Range. — Mexico,  north  to  southern  United  States 
chiefly  in  Texas,  but  also  found  in  New  Mexico  and 
casually  east  to  Louisiana. 


RED-TAILED    HAWK 
337.  Buteo  borealis.     21   in. 

One  of  the  handsomest  and  most  powerfully  built 
of  our  hawks.  Adults  with  the  tail  rusty-red,  with  or 
\flthout  a  narrow  blackish  band  near  the  tip;  below 
white,  with  a  band  of  blackish  streaks  across  the 
breast,  and  dusky  markings  on  the  sides.  Young  birds 
are  similar,  but  have  the  tail  grayish-brown  with 
black  bands.  An  examination  of  the  food  of  this  bird 
of  prey,  made  by  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  shows 
that,  instead  of  living  upon  poultry  as  most  farmers 
think,  their  food  consists  chiefly  of  frogs,  snakes,  liz- 
ards, mice  and  insects,  less  than  one  in  ten  of  the 
stomachs  examined  containing  any  remains  of  poultry. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistle  or  scream. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  weeds,  leaves  and  trash  high  up 
in  tall  trees;  eggs  white,  spotted  with  blackish-brown. 

Range. — Breeds  in  United  States  and  Southern  Can- 
ada; winters  in  the  United  States.  337a.,  Krider  Hawk 
is  a  paler  race  found  on  the  plains  from  Minn,  to 
Texas.  337d.,  Harlan  Hawk,  is  darker  and  has  the 
tail  mottled  with  blackish;  found  in  the  Gulf  States. 


205 


RED-SHOULDERED     HAWK 
339.  Butco    Uncut  us.     19    in. 

Adults  with  the  shoulders  bright  reddish-brown; 
primaries  and  secondaries  barred  with  black  and  white: 
below  buffy  thickly  barred  with  rusty -brown.  Young 
with  the  shoulders  duller;  underparts  white,  streaked 
all  over  with  blackish-brown.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
abundant  of  the  birds  of  prey  in  Eastern  United  States, 
and  it  is  also  one  of  the  most  useful,  destroying  quan- 
tities of  moles  and  field  mice,  as  well  as  grasshoppers. 
Usually  one  or  more  pairs  will  be  found  in  a  piece  of 
woods.  One  pair  that  I  know,  and  I  presume  it  is 
the  same  pair,  each  year  has  its  nest  on  the  edge  of  a 
colony  of  Black-crowned  Night  Herons  and,  during  the 
season,  they  live  and  feed  their  young  largely  upon  the 
young  of  these  birds. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  lined  with  weeds  and  strips  of  bark; 
eggs  white,  blotched  with  brown  (2.15x1.75).  April, 
May. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Maine  and  Minne- 
sota.  339a.  Fla.  Red-Shouldered  Hawk,  found  in  Flor- 
ida and  north  to  So.  Car.,  is  paler  colored. 


SENNETT    WHITE-TAILED    HAWK 
341.  Buteo  albicaudatus  sennetti.     22  in. 

Adults  grayish-slate  above  and  to  the  sides  of  the 
throat;  tail  and  underparts  white,  the  former  with  a 
subterminal  band  of  black  and  indistinct  wavy  lines 
and  the  latter  with  fine  barring  on  the  sides.  The 
shoulders  are  largely  chestnut.  Young  birds  are  brown- 
ish-black above  and  usually  white  below,  but  the  under- 
parts are  variable — often  streaked  with  rusty  anc 
blackish,  or  even  wholly  black. 

They  are  useful  hawks,  their  food  consisting  chiefly 
of  insects  and  moles  or  mice. 

Nest. — Built  in  bushes  in  open  land,  rarely  more  than 
six  feet  above  ground.  Composed  of  sticks,  dry  weeds 
and  grasses  making  a  bulky  structure  visible  for  a  long 
distance.  Three  eggs  are  not  uncommon  but  two  is  the 
usual  number;  they  are  dirty  white  with  very  few 
marks  of  brown  (2.35  x  1.85) .  Their  nesting  season 
ranges  from  as  early  as  February  to  July. 

Range. — Not  uncommon  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  Texas 
and  in  the  lower  Rio  Grande  Valley,  southwards  into 
South  America. 


207 


208 


SWAINSON    HAWK 
342.  Buteo  swain-soni.     20  in. 

This    species    has    the    greatest    variety    of    plumages 
of  any  of  our  hawks.     It  has  only  three  outer  prima- 
ries notched  near  the  tips,  while  the  two  last  species, 
which  are  the  only  ones  that  can  be  confused  with  it, 
have  four.     Adults  in  the  light  phase  have  a  band  of 
rich   chestnut   across   the    breast.      Adults   in   the   dark 
mse    are    uniform    blackish-brown,    with    some    rusty 
Igings   and   with   thighs   more   or    less   rusty.      Young 
rds    are   buffy   below,   with   elongated   blackish    spots. 
s    harmless    character    can    be    understood    from    the 
ct  that   it   is  no  unusual   sight  to   find   other   birds, 
h   as   Arkansas   Kingbird   and   Bullock    Oriole,   nest- 
j  in  the  same  tree;    and  the  first  mentioned   species 
goes    even    further    than    this,    sometimes    constructing 
its  home  in  the  sides  of  the  nests  of  the  hawks. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  twigs,  either  'in  trees  or  on  the 
ground  on  rocky  ledges;  eggs  white,  spotted  with 
brown.  (2.20xL70). 

Range. — Western  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Texas  to  the 
Arctic  regions;  east  to  Illinms  and  west  to  the  Pacific. 


BROAD-WINGED    HAWK 
343.  Buteo  platypterus.     16  in. 

Adults  grayish-brown  above;  below,  streaked  on  the 
throat  and  breast,  and  barred  below,  with  rusty-brown; 
tail  with  three  blackish  bars.  Young  similar  above; 
below  white,  streaked  with  blackish-brown.  They  are 
most  apt  to  be  confused  with  the  Cooper  and  Red- 
Shouldered  Hawk,  but  when  in  flight,  it  can  usually  be 
distinguished  at  a  distance,  from  the  former  by  its 
shorter  tail,  and  from  the  latter  by  its  smaller  size 
and  rounded  wings.  They  may  be  classed  as  abundant 
east  of  the  Great  Plains.  They  are  rather  solitary  in 
their  habits,  especially  during  the  breeding  season, 
when  but  one  pair  is  usually  found  in  a  piece  of  woods. 

Notes. — A  long,  squeaking  wail,  sounding  much  like 
two  branches  rubbing  together  and  creaking. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  invariably  lined  with  pieces  of  bark; 
usually  placed  in  crotches  next  to  the  trunks  of  large 
trees,  but  not  usually  at  a  great  height;  eggs  whitish, 
more  or  less  blotched  with  brown  and  gray. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Mani- 
toba; winters  in  southern  half  of  the  United  States. 


209 


210 


AMERICAN    ROUGH-LEGGED    HAWK 
347a.  Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis.     22  in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  blackish  on  the 
back  and  belly;  head  and  breast,  more  or  less  grayish- 
white,  streaked  with  dusky;  tail  white,  barred  on  the 
end  with  black;  eyes  brown.  In  the  dark  phase  they 
are  blackish-brosvn,  more  or  less  mixed  with  rusty. 
This  large,  heavily-built  species  is  found  in  the  United 
States,  only  in  winter;  it  frequents  thinly  wooded  dis- 
tricts or  meadows,  where  it  catches  its  prey,  which 
consists  of  small  rodents,  insects  and  reptiles.  It  is 
very  irregular  in  its  appearance,  especially  in  the  east, 
but  it  is  most  often  found  near  the  coast.  It  is  a 
sluggish  species  and  I  doubt  if  it  does  any  harm  to 
wild  birds  or  to  poultry;  it  certainly  does  a  great  deal 
of  good. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  on  rocky  ledges;  eggs  bluish-white, 
boldly  splashed  with  brown.  (1.90x1.55). 

Range. — Breeds  north  of  the  United  States  border; 
winters  in  northern  United  States. 


FERRUGINOUS   ROUGH-LEGGED    HAWK 

348.  Archibuteo  ferrugineus.     23  in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  with  back,  shoul- 
ders, thighs  and  legs,  rusty,  barred  or  streaked  with 
black;  tail  grayish-white,  tinged  with  rusty.  Young 
birds  are  brownish-black,  above  and  without  any  rusty 
below.  In  the  dark  phase  they  are  sooty-brown,  more 
or  less  varied  with  rusty,  and  the  tail  is  the  same  as 
in  the  light  plumage.  Their  bill  is  larger  and  tail 
longer  than  that  of  the  last  species.  A  fairly  abundant 
hawk  on  the  plains  and  prairies  west  of  the  Miss., 
usually  not  at  a  great  distance  from  water. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  on  bluffs  or  rocky 
ledges,  but  sometimes  in  trees;  made  of  sticks  and 
weeds;  sometimes  used  year  after  year,  and  then  be- 
coming bulky,  as  it  is  added  to  each  year;  eggs  white, 
handsomely  spotted  and  blotched  with  blackish-brown, 
very  variable. 

Range. — Breeds  west  of  the  Miss.,  from  Kansas,  lo- 
cally, and  the  Dakotas,  abundantly,  north  to  Sas- 
katchewan. Winters  south  to  Mexico. 


212 


GOLDEN    EAGLE 
349.  Aquila  chryscetos.     35   in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Plumage  blackish-brown, 
adults  having  the  lengthened  feathers  on  the  nape, 
golden-brown,  and  the  tail  more  or  less  mixed  with 
white;  leg  feathers  rusty.  These  large,  handsome,  well- 
built  birds  of  prey  are  fairly  abundant  in  thinly  set- 
tled country  west  of  the  Miss.,  especially  in  mountains 
and  foot-hills.  They  are  very  powerful  birds  and  a 
single  pair  of  them  will  rule  the  whole  country  in  which 
they  reside.  They  are  very  shy  in  the  presence  of 
man  and  will  never  attack  a  person  or  show  fight 
unless  wounded  or  surprised  at  their  meals.  Their 
food  consist  of  prairie  dogs,  rodents,  ducks  and  even 
fawns. 

Notes. — A  shrill  a  "  kee-kee-kee." 

Nest. — A  very  bulky  structure  of  large  sticks,  lined 
with  twigs,  needles  and  in  some  cases  evergreen;  eggs 
creamy-white,  spotted,  splashed  and  clouded  with  vari- 
ous shades  of  brown  and  gray  (2.90x2.50). 

Range. — West  of  the  Miss.,  from  Mexico  northward; 
rarelv  eastward  to  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BALD    EAGLE 
352.  Haliceetus  leucocephalus.     34  in. 

Legs  not  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  with  white 
head  and  tail.  Young  birds  similar  in  color  to  those 
of  the  Golden  Eagle,  but  blacker  and  with  the  legs 
always  bare  on  the  lower  half.  Young,  with  brown 
eyes,  like  those  of  the  last;  adults  with  yellow  eyes 
and  feet.  This  handsome  bird  of  prey,  our  national 
emblem,  is  resident  and  locally  distributed  throughout 
the  United  States  and  Canada,  always  near  streams 
or  lakes,  and  most  abundant  on  the  seacoasts.  Their 
food,  like  that  of  the  Golden  Eagle,  is  chiefly  caught 
by  themselves,  and  consists  of  any  small  mammals, 
geese,  ducks,  etc.,  and  during  the  summer,  or  when 
their  usual  food  is  scarce,  they  feed  upon  fish,  which 
they  either  catch  for  themselves  or  taken  by  force 
from  Ospreys. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  large  and  bulky,  and  usually  in  tops 
of  very  tall  trees;  two  eggs,  pure  white.  (2.75x2.10). 

Range. — Resident  locally  in  whole  of  Xorth  America. 


214 


WHITE    GRYFALCON 

353.  Fa Ico   islamlus.     23   in. 

Adults  in  perfect  plumage,  pure  white,  slightly  barred 
on  the  back  and  spotted  below  with  black. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  lined  with  grasses  and  feathers; 
placed  on  ledges  of  cliffs;  eggs  bulky  white,  specked 
with  reddish  brown,  often  so  thickly  that  the  ground 
color  is  obscured  (2.30x1.80). 

Range. — Arctic  region,  breeding  in  Northern  Green- 
land, and  wintering  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  and 
casually  to  northern  Maine. 

GRAY    GYRFALCON 

354.  Falco  rusticolus.     23  in. 

Adults  white,  heavily  barred  above,  and  streaked  be- 
low with  gray  and  black. 

Range. — Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter,  rarely  to 
northern  United  States. 

354a.  GYRFALCON  (F.  r.  gyrfalco).  Similar  to  the 
ast  but  darker,  the  latter  being  usually  more  white  than 
dusky,  while  this  is  the  reverse. 

354b.  BLACK  GYRFALCOX  (F.  r.  obsoletus).  Much 
darker  than  the  last,  the  markings  tending  to  be  buffy 
white  spots  on  a  grayish  black  ground. 


PRAIRIE   FALCON 
355.  Falco  mexicanus.     18  in. 

A  blackish  patch  on  the  sides  of  the  throat,  similar 
to  that  of  the  Duck  Hawk.  Above  brownish  black,  much 
paler  and  never  with  the  slaty  color  of  the  Duck  Hawk; 
below  streaked  or  spotted  with  blackish  brown.  These 
falcons  are  fairly  abundant  on  the  western  plains  and 
prairies,  and  are  also  found  in  wooded  mountain  regions. 
They  are  strong  and  active  and  will  fight  fiercely  if  cap- 
tured. They  live  upon  small  mammals,  birds  and  occa- 
sionally, grouee.  Their  flight  is  very  swift  and  accom- 
plished by  rapid  wing  beats,  with  occasional  sailings. 

Notes. — A  cackle,  and  rapidly  repeated  "  kee-kee-kee." 
(Bendire) . 

Nest. — -A  mass  of  sticks  and  trash,  -on  bluffs  or  rocky 
ledges,  and  sometimes  in  trees;  eggs  reddish  buff,  thickly 
sprinkled  and  blotched  with  brown.  (2.50x1.60). 

Range. — Eastern  border  of  the  Great  Plains  to  the 
Pacific;  and  from  Saskatchewan  to  southern  Mexico. 


216 


DUCK   HAWK 
356a.  Falco  peregrinus  anatum.     17  in. 

Black  moustache  mark,  or  patch  on  each  side  of  the 
throat.  Adults  white  below,  tinged  with  buffy  on  the 
breast  and  sides,  and  lightly  barred  with  black;  above 
bluish  slate,  darkest  on  the  crown.  Some  adults  are 
darker,  and  much  more  heavily  barred  than  others. 
Young,  brownish  black  with  rusty  edges  to  the  feath- 
ers; •below,  buffy,  heavily  streaked  with  blackish.  This 
is  one  of  the  handsomest  and  most  dashing  of  the  rap- 
tores,  and  is  very  similar  to  the  one  formerly  most  used 
for  the  chase  in  England.  They  are  swift  and  fearless 
in  pursuit  of -their  prey,  and  the  fastest  flying  ducks  as 
well  as  the  slower  herons  fall  easy  victims  to  their 
valor.  Their  feet  are  exceptionally  large,  and  they  are 
often,  on  this  account,  known  as  Great-footed  Hawks. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  upon  bare  ledges  or  soil,  with  very 
little,  if  any,  nest.  Bright  buff,  marked  with  rich  rusty 
brown.  (2.05x1.55). 

Range. — Breeds  in  Northern  United  States  and  Can- 
ada, most  abundant  west  of  the  Miss. 


PIGEON    HAWK 
357.  Falco  columbarius.     12  in. 

Adult  male,  bluish  slate  above,  with  black  shaft  lines 
to  the  feathers;  below  buffy  on  the  breast,  sides  and 
thighs;  streaked  on  the  breast  and  barred  on  the  flanks 
with  black;  tai1  with  four  black  bands.  Female  and 
young,  blackish  brown  above;  below  streaked  with 
dusky.  These  little  falcons  are  very  bold  and  coura- 
geous when  led  by  the  pangs  of  hunger,  chasing  their 
prey  close  to  human  beings,  and  they  have  been  known 
to  follow  birds,  which,  in  their  fright,  have  dashed 
through  windows  in  houses.  They  live  upon  any  of  the 
smaller  birds,  as  well  as  rodents,  grasshoppers  and 
other  insects. 

Nest. — Usually  a  slight  platform  of  twigs  in  trees, 
deep  in  the  woods,  less  often  in  cavities  in  trees,  and 
sometimes  on  ledges;  eggs  buffy,  heavily  blotched  with 
chestnut.  (1.50x1.20). 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States, 
but  occasionally  on  the  northern  border;  winters  in 
northern  United  States. 


RICHARDSON    MERLIN 
357b.  Falco  columbarius  richardsonii.     12  in. 

Both  adults  and  young  are  similar  to  the  same  of 
the  last  species,  but  they  are  much  paler  colored,  and 
the  tail  is  crossed  by  six  light  bars.  The  habits  of  this 
species,  which  seems  to  have  quite  a  limited  range,  are 
precisely  like  those  of  the  Pigeon  Hawk.  Like  that 
species,  it  flies  swiftly,  with  rapidly  beating  wings,  and 
occasionally  sails  and  soars.  The  under  surface  of  the 
wings  is  prominently  barred,  but  not  as  much  so  as 
that  of  the  Pigeon  Hawk;  it  is  very  conspicuous  when 
in  flight. 

Nest. — Either  in  hollow  trees,  or  a  rude  platform  of 
sticks,  usually  not  very  high  from  the  ground;  eggs 
huffy  white,  handsomely  blotched  with  brown.  (1.60 
xl.25). 

Range. — From  the  Miss,  to  the  Rockies,  and  from 
Mexico  north  to  Saskatchewan,  locally  distributed. 


218 


SPARROW    HAWK 
360.  Falco  sparverius.     10.5  in. 

This  is  the  smallest  and  one  of  the  handsomest  of  our 
hawks.  Cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  other  species,  be- 
cause of  its  bright  colors  and  odd  marking.  The  female 
is  barred  on  the  back,  wings  and  tail,  while  the  male 
has  but  a  few  short  bars  on  the  back.  The  general  tone 
of  both,  above,  is  a  bright  rusty-brown.  This  is  the 
most  abundant  hawk  that  we  have,  and  it  is  also  best 
known,  chiefly  because  it  is  found  commonly  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  farmhouses  and  commonly  on  the  outskirts  of 
cities.  Their  flight  is  peculiar,  a  few  rapid  wing  beats, 
then  a  short  sail,  alternately.  They  are  very  noisy  in 
mating  season  and  when  the  young  birds  first  fly,  their 
notes  being  a  rapidly  repeated,  "  killy-killy-killy."  Their 
food  is  of  grasshoppers,  mice  and  rarely  small  birds. 

Nest. — Usually  in  cavities  in  trees,  often  in  deserted 
Flicker  holes,  the  eggs  being  laid  upon  the  bare  wood. 
They  are  cream  colored,  finely  sprinkled  and  spotted 
with  brown.  (1.35x1.10), 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States  to  Labrador  and 
Hudson  Bay.  Winters  in  southern  United  States. 


220 


AUDUBON    CARACARA 
362.  Polyborus  cheriicay.     22  in. 

These  peculiar  birds  cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  of 
our  hawks  or  falcons.  They  are  very  sluggish  birds, 
with  habits  resembling  both  those  of  buzzards  and  some 
of  the  hawks.  They  are  usually  known  in  localities 
where  they  are  found,  as  Caracara  Eagles.  As  we  might 
suspect  from  the  shape  of  their  bill,  the  naked  and 
bristle-covered  lores,  and  the  feet,  which  have  not  the 
strongly  hooked  talons  of  hawks,  the  food  of  these  birds 
is  largely  carrion.  It  is  terrestrial  in  its  habits  and  is 
most  often  seen,  when  not  in  flight,  either  upon  the 
ground,  or  standing  erect  on  branches  at  lo\v  elevations. 
They  are  more  quarrelsome  in  their  disposition  than 
are  vultures,  and  frequently  fight  over  their  prey. 

Nest. — A  bulky,  but  shabby  pile  of  sticks  and  weeds, 
in  bushes  or  low  trees;  eggs  buff,  sprinkled,  spotted  or 
blotched  with  yellowish  brown  or  chestnut.  (2.50x  1.80). 

Range. — Resident  of  the  Mexican  border  of  the  U.  S. 
and  in  southern  Florida. 


AMERICAN    OSPREY;    FISH    HAWK 
364.  Pandion  halicetus  carolinensis.     23  in. 

Real  old  birds  have  the  head  whiter,  and  less  white 
edging  to  the  back  feathers,  than  do  the  young.  Feet 
very  strong,  and  very  hard  and  rough,  perfectly  adapted 
to  grasping  slippery  fish;  outer  toe  can  b%  used  equally  as 
well,  either  in  front  or  behind,  when  perching  or  grasp- 
ing their  prey.  Their  food  is  entirely  of  fish,  which 
they  catch  themselves,  by  plunging  after  it,  hovering  in 
the  air  a  few  seconds  while  watching  the  fish,  prepara- 
tory to  diving  upon  it.  They  are  always  found  about 
water  and  are  very  numerous  on  the  seacoasts,  where 
twenty  or  more  may  frequently  be  seen  at  a  time.  They 
are  protected  by  law  in  some  states,  and  by  public  sen- 
timent in  most  others. 

Notes.— A  loud,  tremulous,  piercing  whistle. 

Nest. — Usually  in  trees;  large  and  bulky,  of  sticks; 
sometimes  on  the  ground,  telegraph  poles,  chimneys, 
etc.  Eggs  creamy  buff,  blotched  with  rich  brown.  (2.40 
xl.80). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Labrador  and  Alas- 
ka; winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


221 


FAMILY   ALUCONIDJE 

BARN    OWL 
365.  Aluco  pratincola.     18  in. 

Plumage  very  soft,  finely  barred  and  specked;  gen- 
eral coloration  gray,  yellowish-brown  and  white.  No 
ear  tufts;  eyes  small  and  brown;  face  very  long;  legs 
very  long.  These  peculiar  owls  aie  abundant  in  the 
south,  where  they  are  commonly  known  as  "  Monkey  - 
faced  Owls,"  because  of  their  odd  visage.  They  arc 
very  useful  birds,  and  are  usually  recognized  as  such. 
Their  food  consists  almost  wholly  of  small  squirrels, 
rodents,  reptiles  and  insects.  It  does  most  of  its  hunt- 
ing just  after  dusk  and  early  in  the  morning.  Its  night 
is  rather  slow  and  entirely  noiseless,  as  is  that  oi  all 
the  members  of  the  family. 

Nest. — In  hollow  trees,  under  the  roofs  of  barns  or  in 
caves;  the  four  to  six  eggs  are  pure  white.  (l.TOx  1.30). 

Range. — United  States,  breeding  north  to  New  York, 
Ontario,  and  Washington.  Winters  in  the  southern  hall 
of  the  United  States. 


HORNED    OWLS— Family    Bubonidse 
AMERICAN    LONG-EARED    OWL 

366.     Asio  wilsonianus.     15  in. 

This  species  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the 
next,  which  is  the  only  one  of  the  same  size,  by  its  long 
ear  tufts;  it  is  also  darker,  and  the  markings  on  the 
breast  are  largely  in  the  form  of  bars;  In  the  northern 
portions  of  the  United  States,  this  species  is  probably 
the  most  abundant  of  owls,  excepting  the  little  Screech 
Owl.  It  is  often  quite  common,  where  its  presence  is 
little  suspected,  because,  unless  disturbed,  it  flies  only 
at  night  and  is  a  rather  silent  species.  During  the 
daytime  it  is  usually  sitting  upright  in  the  dense  tops 
of  evergreen  trees.  Crows  often  discover  them,  and  pro- 
claim their  hiding  place  to  the  whole  neighborhood  by 
their  incessant  cawing.  Owls  of  all  kinds  are  in  dis- 
favor with  crows. 

Notes. — A  soft-toned  "wo-hunk,  wo-hunk."    (Bendire.) 

Nest. — They  lay  from  four  to  seven  pure  white  eggs, 
usually  in  old  crow  nests. 

Range. — Resident  from  the  Gulf  to  Nova  Scotia  and 
Manitoba. 


223 


224 


SHORT-EARED    OWL 
367.  Asio  flammeus.     15.5  in. 

Ear  tufts  very  short;  general  color  buffy,  not  nearly 
as  brown  nor  as  dark  as  the  last  species  usually  is. 
They  are  not  nearly  as  nocturnal  as  most  of  the  owls, 
and  most  of  their  hunting  is  done  about  dusk,  when 
they  may  be  seen  flying  close  to  the  ground  over  marshes 
or  low  land.  Their  flight  is  perfectly  silent,  which  aids 
them  in  securing  their  prey  of  field  mice,  which  they 
usually  get  without  stopping  in  their  flight,  just  swoop- 
ing down,  extending  their  long  legs,  armed  with  wicked 
little  claws,  and  it  is  all  over  with  the  little  rodent,  he 
being  carried  to  a  nearby  stump,  and  devoured,  fur, 
bones  and  all. 

Notes. — A  very  short,  shrill  cry,  evidently  their  call 
note,  and  a  low  clucking  uttered  as  they  swoop  over 
your  head;  besides  the  usual  snapping  of  the  bill. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usually  in  marshes;  the  four 
to  seven  eggs  are  pure  white.  (1.55x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  the  Gulf  to  the  Arctic 
regions;  winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


BARRED    OWL 

368.  Striae  varia.     20  in. 

Eyes  dark  brown.     This  is  the  most  abundant  of  the 
large  owls  throughout  its  range.     It  has  no  ears.     This 
species  is  the  common  "  hoot  owl,"  that  is  the  terror  of 
small   children   and   many   older   ones.      They   are   nois 
birds,  and  two  of  them  like  to  get  at  opposite  sides  of 
piece  of  wjods  and  talk  to  each  other.     Their  notes  ar 
very   variable   but   are  oftenest  combinations   of   "  whf 
whos  "  and  "  too-toos,"  often  ending  in  a  mournful  wai 
They   spend  the  day   in  slumber,  unless   routed  out  c 
the   dense    trees    where   they    rest,   by    crows   or    huma 
beings.     They  are  one  of  the  least  harmful  of  the  famil 
and  should  be  protected. 

Nest. — Usually  in  hollow  trees,  but  sometimes  in  old 
crow  nests.  Eggs  pure  white  (1.95x1.65). 

Range. — Resident  in  eastern  North  America.  368a. 
Florida  Barred  Owl  (alleni),  is  smaller,  darker  and  the 
toes  are  unfeathered,  as  are  those  of  368b,  Texas  Barred 
Owl,  found  in  southern  Texas. 


225 


GREAT    GRAY    OWL 
370.  Scotiaptcx  nebulosa.     27  in. 

Tail  long:  eyes  small  and  yellow.  This  large  owl  is 
only  found  in  Northern  United  States  during  the  win- 
ter. Its  tail  is  unusually  long,  as  are  all  its  feathers, 
thereby  making  it  appear  a  very  much  larger  bird  than 
it  really  is;  it  weighs  but  little  more  than  the  Barred 
Owl.  They  do  not  appear  to  be  in  especial  abundance 
anywhere,  but  occasionally  large  flights  of  them  will 
occur  in  some  parts  of  the  country:  they  seem  to  occur 
most  freely  in  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota.  They  are 
nocturnal  like  the  majority  of  the  family,  and  subsist 
largely  upon  mice  and  hares. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  in  trees,  usually  pines,  in  heavily 
wooded  districts;  eggs  white.  (2.15x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  southern  Labrador,  Hudson  Bay 
and  Alaska  northward;  winters  south  to  the  northern 
border  of  the  United  States  and  casually  to  Long  Island 
and  Illinois. 


RICHARDSON    OWL 
371.  Cryptoylaux  funerea  richardsoni.     10  in. 

This  species  bears  considerable  resemblance  to  the  lit- 
tle Acadian  Owls,  but  is  grayer;  the  top  of  the  head 
has  numerous  round  white  spots  and  the  wing  coverts 
are  spotted  with  white. 

Nest. — Usually  in  holes  of  trees;  eggs  white. 

Range. — Breeds  throughout  Canada,  and  possibly  in 
the  northern  parts  of  the  northern  states;  winters  south 
to  northern  United  States. 


SAW-WHET   OWL;    ACADIAN     OWL. 
372.  Cryptoglaux  acadica.     8  in. 

Smallest  of  our  eastern  Owls;  no  ear  tufts.  General 
color  brownish  above  and  white  below  with  the  sides 
streaked  with  brown.  No  markings  on  wing  coverts,  but 
scapulars  spotted  with  white.  It  is  chiefly  nocturnal 
in  its  habits  and,  consequently,  is  not  often  seen  even  if 
they  are  abundant. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  U.  S.  northward;  win- 
ters in  northern  United  Spates. 


228 


SCREECH    OWL 

373.  Otus  asio.     9.5  in. 

Two  color  phases  independent  of  age,  sex  or  season; 
eyes  yellow;  has  ear  tufts.  The  Screech  Owl,  or  it* 
sub-species,  is  found  throughout  the  United  States,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  abundant  and  best  known  of  tin- 
family.  They  are  not  at  all  timid,  in  winter  fre- 
quently being  found  in  church  towers,  while  on  the 
outskirts  of  cities  and  in  the  country,  they  reside,  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year,  in  orchards.  They  remain  mated 
for  life,  and  live  in  the  same  tree  for  years,  if  not  too 
much  disturbed  by  curious  boys.  Both  adults  and  the 
four  young  are  often  found  in  the  nest  together,  and 
they  offer  no  resistance  when  they  are  removed  by 
hand.  Their  food  is  almost  wholly  of  insects  and 
rodents. 

Notes. — A  wavering  trill. 

Nest.— In  holes  of  trees;    eggs  white   (1.35x1.20). 

Range. — Resident  in  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada. 
373a.  Florida  Screech  Owl  (floridanus),  is  smaller 
and  slightly  darker,  373b.  Texas  Screech  Owl  (mc- 
calli),  is  smaller  and  more  heavily  barred  on  the 
sides. 


GREAT    HORNED    OWL 
375.  Bubo  virginianus.     23  in. 

Has  ear  tufts,  thus  distinguishing  it  from  any  other 
of  our  large,  powerfully  built  owls.  These  large  birds 
are  the  fiercest,  most  active  and  most  destructive  of 
the  family.  Their  size  and  strength  allows  them  to 
kill  skunks  and  woodchucks,  as  well  as  poultry,  grouse 
and  small  mammals  and  birds.  They  seem  to  be  es- 
pecially fond  of  skunks,  and  nearly  all  of  them  that  I 
have  seen  or  handled,  have  given  unmistakable  evi- 
dence of  their  recent  and  close  association  with  these 
animals. 

Notes. — A  deep,  dismal  "who-who,"  and  a  loud  un- 
earthly shriek. 

Nest. — Usually  in  deserted  hawk  or  crow  nests,  and 
also  in  hollow  trees;  eggs  white.  (2.25x1.85).  Feb., 
March. 

Range. — Breeds  and  resident  from  the  Gulf  to  Lab- 
rador. 375a.  Western  Horned  Owl  (pallescens)  is  paler 
colored;  found  in  the  plains  and  Rockies  north  to 
Manitoba.  375b.  Arctic  Horned  Owl  (subarcticus),  is 
cniefly  black  and  white;  found  in  Arctic  America,  win- 
teiing  south  to  northern  border  of  United  States. 


229 


SNOWY    OWL 
376.  Xyctea  nyctea.     25  in. 

Xo  ear  tufts.  Plumage  white,  more  or  less  heavily 
spotted  with  black,  the  female  usually  being  quite 
strongly  barred  on  the  back.  They  are  locally  abundant 
in  the  far  north,  preferring  low,  mossy  lands  to  the 
more  timbered  districts.  Here  they  find  an  abundance 
of  food  during  the  summer  months,  living  upon  hares, 
lemmings,  ptarmigan  and  ducks.  They  are  about  the 
equal  of  the  Horned  Owl  in  strength,  and  usually  will 
weigh  a  few  ounces  more;  they  will  frequently  kill 
animals  or  birds  as  heavy,  or  heavier,  than  themselves. 
They  also  catch  a  great  many  fish;  these  they  get  in 
shallow  water  among  the  rock-weed  covered  stones,  by 
reaching  down  quickly  and  seizing  their  prey  in  their 
strong  claws. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  dry  portions  of  marshes; 
the  2  to  8  eggs  are  pure  white. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay, 
northward,  and  possibly  farther  south;  winters  cas- 
ually to  the  Middle  States,  and  commonly  to  Minne- 
sota and  Maine. 


AMERICAN    HAWK     OWL 
377a.  Surnia  ulula  caparoch.     15  in. 

Tail  long  and  rounded;  plumage  mottled  black,  white 
and  gray,  with  little,  if  any,  brownish  tinge;  heavily 
barred  with  black.  These  owls,  curiously  resembling  a 
hawk  in  build,  and  more  so  in  flight,  are  very  active 
and  hunt  more  during  the  daytime  than  after  dark. 
They  feed  largely  upon  small  rodents  and  lemmings 
which  are  very  abundant  in  their  summer  home,  and 
also  kill  a  great  many  small  birds.  They  seem  to  be 
impartial  to  wooded  districts,  or  open  marshes  and 
low  lands,  where  they  may  be  seen  skimming  about 
close  to  the  ground. 

Nest. — Either  of  sticks  in  the  tops  of  trees,  or  in 
hollow  cavities.  The  eggs  are  white,  as  are  those  of 
all  owls,  and  nearly  globular  in  shape.  (1.40x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Newfoundland  and  Manitoba 
northward,  and  possibly  farther  south  on  the  moun- 
tains. Winters  south  to  northern  United  States,  rarely 
to  Xew  York  and  Illinois. 


232 


BURROWING    OWL 

378.  Speotyto  cunicularia  hypogoea.     10  in. 

Legs  very  long,  and  nearly  bare  on  the  lower  part 
of  tarsi;  tail  short;  no  ear' tufts.  An  abundant  and 
useful  species  in  the  prairie  regions  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. They  live  in  the  same  region  that  prairie 
dogs  are  found,  using  deserted  burrows  of  these  ani- 
mals, or  taking  them  by  force,  for  they  are  more  than 
a  match  for  these  curious  animals;  they  do  not,  as 
has  often  been  said,  live  peaceably  in  the  same  bur- 
rows with  them.  On  the  contrary,  young  prairie  dogs, 
as  well  as  rodents,  small  snakes  and  birds,  form  a  large 
part  of  their  daily  diet.  They  are  both  diurnal  and 
nocturnal,  doing  most  of  their  hunting  after  dusk,  but 
often  seen  sitting  at  the  mouth  of  the  burrow  during 
the  daytime.  The  six  to  ten  eggs  that  they  deposit  at 
the  end  of  these  burrows  are  white. 

Range. — West  of  the  Miss.  Valley,  north  to  South- 
ern Manitoba  and  British  Columbia.  378a.  Florida  Bur- 
rowing Owl  (floridana),  is  smaller  and  whiter;  found 
in  southern  Florida. 


INDEX. 


Anhinga 68 

Auk,  Great 30 

Razor-billed   29 

Ayocet,  American 144 

Bittern,  American 118 

Cory  Least 119 

Least 119 

Bob-white 177 

Florida 177 

Texan 177 

Booby   66 

Blue-faced 65 

Brant 108 

Caracara,  Audubon 220 

Chachalaca 191 

Coot,  American 140 

Cormorant ...  69 


Cormorant,  Double-crested 70 

Florida 70 

Mexican 71 

Crane,  Little  Brown 131 

Sandhill 131 

Whooping 130 

Curlew,  Eskimo 166 

Hudsonian 165 

Long-billed 164 

Dovekie 31 

Dove,  Ground 195 

Inca 195 

Mourning  193 

White-fronted 194 

White-winged 194 

Dowitcher 148 

Long-billed 148 


233 


Duck,  Am.  Golden-eye 94 

Am.  Scaup 92 

Baldpate 83 

Barrow  Golden-eye 94 

Black 79 

Black-bellied  Tree 109 

Buffle-head 95 

Canvas-back 91 

Eider,  American 99 

Northern 99 

King 100 

Florida 80 

Fulvous  Tree 110 

Gadwall 81 

Harlequin 97 

Lesser  Scaup   92 

Long-tailed 96 

Labrador 98 

Mallard 78 

Mottled 80 

Old  Squaw 98 


Duck,  Pintail 88 

Redhead  90 

Ring-necked 93 

Ruddy 103 

Scoter,  Am 101 

Surf 102 

"  White-winged 101 

Shoveller 87 

Teal,  Blue-winged 85 

Cinnamon 86 

"  Green-winged 84 

Widgeon  82 

Wood  .  .  89 

Eagle,  Bald 213 

Golden 212 

Egret,  American 122 

Reddish 124 

Eider,  American  99 

Northern 99 

King 100 

Falcon,  Prairie 215 


Flamingo,  American 112 

Frigate  Bird 74 

Fulmar 58 

Gallinule,  Florida 139 

Purple 138 

Gannet 67 

Godwit,  Hudsonian 157 

Marbled 156 

Goose,  Am.  White-fronted 106 

Cackling 107 

Canada   ! 107 

Blue 105 

Snow,  Greater 104 

Snow,  Lesser   104 

Goshawk,  American 203 

Grebe,  Eared 20 

Horned 19 

Holboell 18 

Least 21 

Pied-billed 22 

Western 17 


Grouse,  Canada 182 

Dusky 181 

Richardson 181 

Ruffed 183 

Sage 188 

Shap-tailed 187 

Sharp-tailed  Prairie 187 

Spruce 182 

Guillemot,  Black 27 

Mandt 27 

Gull,  Black-backed 39 

Bonaparte 44 

Franklin 43 

Glaucous 37 

Herring 40 

Iceland 38 

Ivory 35 

Kittiwake 36 

Kumlien 38 

Laughing 42 

Ring-billed  41 


235 


Gull,  Ross 45 

Sabine 46 

Gyrfalcon  214 

White 214 

Hawk,  Am.  Rough-legged 210 

Am.  Sparrow 219 

Broad-winged 209 

Cooper 202 

Duck 216 

Ferruginous  Rough-leg 211 

Harlan 205 

Harris 204 

Krider 205 

Marsh  200 

Pigeon 217 

Red-shouldered 206 

Red-tailed 205 

Senett  White-tailed 207 

Sharp-shinned 201 

Swainson 208 

Heath  Hen  .  .  .186 


Heron,  Great  White 120 

Great  Blue 121 

Green 127 

Little  Blue 126 

Louisiana 125 

Night,  Black-crowned 128 

Night,  Yellow-crowned 123 

Snowy 123 

Ibis,  Glossy 116 

Scarlet 115 

White 114 

White-faced  Glossy 116 

Wood 117 

Jacana,  Mexican 176 

Jaeger,  Long-tailed 34 

Parasitic   34 

Pomarine 33 

Killdeer 179 

Kite,  Everglade 199 

Mississippi 198 

Swallow-tailed   197 


236 


Kite,  White-tailed 198 

Kittiwake 36 

Knot 150 

Limpkin 132 

Loon 23 

Black-throated 24 

Red-throated   25 

Mallard 78 

Man-o-War  Bird 74 

Merganser,  American 75 

Red-breasted 76 

Hooded 77 

Merlin,  Richardson 218 

Murre 28 

Brunnich 28 

Noddy 56 

Osprey,  American 221 

Owl,  Am.  Hawk 231 

Arctic  Horned 229 

Barn 222 

Barred 225 


Barred,  Florida 225 

Burrowing 232 

Burrowing,  Florida 232 

Great  Gray 226 

Great  Horned 229 

Long-eared 223 

Richardson 227 

Saw-whet 227 

Screech 228 

Short-eared 224 

Western  Horned 229 

Snowy 230 

Oyster-catcher 175 

Partridge,  Gambel 179 

Messena 180 

Mearns 180 

Scaled 178 

Pelican,  Am.  White  . 72 

Brown 73 

Petrel,  Leach 63 

Stormy 62 


237 


Petrel,  Wilson 62 

Phalarope,  Northern 142 

Red 141 

Wilson 143 

Pheasant,  Ring-necked 190 

Pigeon,  Passenger 192 

Plover,  Am.  Golden 168 

Black-Bellied .167 

Killdeer 169 

Mountain   173 

Piping   171 

Piping,  Belted 171 

Semipalmated 170 

Snowy 172 

Upland 161 

Wilson 172 

Prairie  Hen 185 

Lesser 186 

Ptarmigan,  Allen 184 

Rock 184 

Willow 184 


Ptarmigan,  Welch 184 

Puffin 26 

Large-billed 26 

Quail   188 

Rail,  Black 137 

Carolina 136 

Clapper 134 

Louisiana 134 

Florida 134 

Wayne 134 

King 133 

Sora 136 

Virginia 135 

Yellow 137 

Sanderling 155 

Sandpiper,  Baird 152 

Bartramian 161 

Buff-breasted 162 

Least 153 

Pectoral 151 

Purple 151 


Sandpiper,  Red-backed   154 

Semipalmated 153 

Solitary 159 

Sandpiper,  Spotted 136 

Stilt 149 

Western 153 

White-rumped   152 

Scoter,  American 101 

Surf   .  . 102 

White-winged 101 

Shoveller 87 

Snake-bird 68 

Snipe,  Wilson 147 

Shearwater,  Audubon 59 

Cory 59 

Greater 60 

Sooty 61 

Skimmer,  Black 57 

Skua 32 

Spoonbill,  Roseate 113 

Stilt,  Black-necked 145 


owan,  Trumpeter   Ill 

Whistling Ill 

Teal,  Blue-winged 85 

Cinnamon 86 

Green-winged 84 

Tern,  Arctic 51 

Black 55 

Bridled 54 

Cabot 49 

Caspian 48 

Common 51 

Forster 50 

Gull-billed 47 

Least 53 

Noddy 56 

Roseate 52 

Royal 48 

Sooty 54 

Tropic    Bird,  Yellow-billed 64 

Turkey,  Wild 189 

Turnstone 174 


Turnstone,  Ruddy 174 

Vulture,  Black 196 

Turkey 196 

Willet 160 

Western 160 

Woodcock,  American 146 

Yellowlegs 158 

.  Greater 158 


£40 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last 
date  stamped  below 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


B    000005957    6 


